The Softball Association of India (SBAI) on Monday announced a 16-member Indian women's team that will make its debut at the upcoming Hangzhou Asian Games in China on September 23. Softball is included in continental competition for the first time.

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The 16-member Indian Women's Softball Team set to make its debut at the upcoming Asian Games 2023 | Sportz Point — Softball is making its debut at the Hangzhou Asian Games. Image- **Outlook India**

There is one standby and three reserves, selected after trials for the list of probables, followed by a two-week coaching camp and trials in Delhi in June and July. Softball Asia took note of the regular participation of the Indian women's softball team in the Asian Championships. They awarded it a wild card entry. It was approved by the Executive Committee of Softball Asia in February this year.

SBAI president Neetal Narang said, "The participation of the Indian women's softball team in the Asian Games signifies the opportunity for our players to shine and prove their mettle against the best teams in the continent."

"Moreover, this milestone also holds the promise of inspiring future generations of young athletes, particularly girls, to take up softball as a sport of choice. Performing at the Asian Games is our first step and comes with a huge responsibility as we aspire to be a strong team ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. We are taking Hangzhou as a strong platform towards our goal of qualifying for the 2028 Olympics." Narang added.

Meanwhile, reigning national champions Maharashtra contributed the maximum number of players (5) in the Indian team. While Kerala and Punjab contributed three and two girls, respectively. There is also a player each from Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh. Softball was a medal sport at the Tokyo Olympics and it will also feature at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

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Hangzhou Asian Games: Indian Women's Softball Squad

Aishwarya Ramesh Puri
Aishwarya Sunil Bodke
Monali Mansing Natu
Swapnali C. Waydnade
Saee Anil Joshi
Anjali Pallikkara
Stephy Saji
Rinta Cheriyan
Mamatha Guguloth
Ganga Sona
Mamta Minhas
Sandeep Kaur
Kumari Manisha
Isha
Swetasini Sabar
Nitya Malvi
Priyanka Baghel (standby)

Reserves:

Manisha Kumari
Priti Verma
Chitra

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