Hockey India announce 33-member Indian women's squad for national camp

Hockey India announced a 33-member Indian women's hockey squad for the national coaching camp on Saturday.

The national coaching camp is scheduled for September 15 to October 9 at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) facility in Bengaluru.

The camp marks the beginning of the team's preparations for the Women's Asian Champions Trophy, which will take place in Rajgir, Bihar, in November.

Notably, the Indian women’s team last competed in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023-24 season, where they faced tough challenges in London and Antwerp against teams like Argentina, Belgium, Germany, and Great Britain.

The team, under the coaching of Harendra Singh, aim to regain their form in the new Olympic cycle (2024-28).

Talking about the national camp, Harendra said, "The upcoming National Women’s Coaching Camp is a crucial step in our preparations for the Women's Asian Champions Trophy."

"This camp will allow us to refine our strategies, work on specific areas that need improvement, and build on the strengths we displayed during the FIH Pro League. With the Asian Champions Trophy being held in Rajgir for the first time, it is a unique opportunity for our team to perform at their best on home soil. We are focused on enhancing our skills, fitness, and teamwork, and this camp will lay the foundation for a successful tournament," he added.

The Indian women's hockey team for the national coaching camp:

Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Bansari Solanki, Madhuri Kindo

Defenders: Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Monika, Ropni Kumari, Mahima Choudhary, Jyoti Chhatri, Preeti

Midfielders: Salima Tete, Marina Lalramnghaki, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Jyoti, Edula Jyoti, Baljeet Kaur, Manisha Chauhan, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Ajmina Kujur.

Forwards: Sunelita Toppo, Mumtaz Khan, Lalremsiami, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Sharmila Devi, Navneet Kaur, Deepika Soreng, Preeti Dubey, Vandana Katariya, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal