Simranjit will take charge of the Indian men’s team, Rajni will be the captain of the women’s team – Dainik Savera Times

Whereas the men’s competition will be played from January 28 to January 31. Defender Mahima Chaudhary will be the vice-captain to assist experienced goalkeeper Rajni while Mandeep Mor will be the vice-captain of the men’s team. Bansari Solanki will be the second goalkeeper in the women’s team while Akshata Abaso Dhekale and Jyoti Chhatri will be the defenders.

Mariana Kujur and Mumtaz Khan have been included in the midfielders while Azmina Kujur, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal and Deepika Soreng will be the forwards. Indian women have been placed in Pool C along with Namibia, Poland and USA. A total of 16 teams will participate in the Hockey Fives Women’s World Cup which includes Fiji, Malaysia, Netherlands and hosts Oman in Pool A.

While Pool B consists of Australia, South Africa, Ukraine and Zambia. Pool D includes New Zealand, Paraguay, Thailand and Uruguay. “The team comprises of young players who have ample international experience and an understanding of the challenges of playing in a tournament like the Hockey Fives World Cup,” coach Soundarya said in a Hockey India release. We are well prepared.

The Indian men’s team, led by Olympic bronze medalist Simranjit, includes goalkeepers Suraj Karkera and Prashant Kumar Chauhan. Mandeep Mor will be with Manjeet in defence, while the midfield includes Mohammad Raheel Mousin and Maninder Singh and the forward line includes Pawan Rajbhar, Gurjot Singh and Uttam Singh along with captain Simranjeet.

India has been placed in Pool B and will have to play against Egypt, Jamaica and Switzerland to make it to the knockout round. Pool A includes Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan and Poland, Pool C includes Australia, Kenya, New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago, while Pool D includes Fiji, Malaysia, Oman and the United States.

Coach Sardar Singh said, “We have selected a balanced team of young and experienced players for this exciting format of hockey. Many players in this team already have experience of playing in this format and are eager to perform well. We have worked hard for this tournament and are looking forward to getting on the podium.