Hockey India announces 22-member Women's Hockey squad for 5 Nations Tournament Valencia 2023

Hockey India announced the 22-member Indian women's hockey team for the upcoming 5 Nations Tournament Valencia 2023 on Friday. The tournament will be held in Valencia, Spain from December 15 to 22.

Also Read: India defeats South Korea 3-1 in the classification match of FIH Hockey Women's Junior World Cup 2023

Ace goalkeeper Savita Punia will lead the 22-member squad in the 5 Nations Tournament Valencia 2023. Image- DD News

India will play against Ireland, Germany, Spain and Belgium in the 5 Nations Tournament Valencia, which will serve as preparation ahead of the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier Ranchi 2024, starting on January 13, 2024.

Top goalkeeper Savita Punia has been made the captain and experienced Vandana Kataria has been made the vice-captain of the Indian team. The team includes Bichu Devi Kharibam in the squad along with Savita as goalkeepers while the backline will see the return of Gurjit Kaur along with, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary and Akshata Abaso Dhekale in the list of defenders.

The midfield consists of Nisha, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Monika, Salima Tete, Neha, Navneet Kaur, Sonika, Jyoti and Baljeet Kaur. The forward line features Jyoti Chhatri, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Vandana Katariya, Beauty Dungdung and Sharmila Devi.

"We are going with a well-balanced, strong team. The tournament gives the players an ideal platform to build on the recent performances and keep themselves in the right frame of mind heading into the all-important FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024. The matches against the top European teams will also help us identify areas that need improvement ahead of the tournament, and we are looking forward to making the most out of the opportunity,"

Janneke Schopman, Indian Women's Hockey Team Chief Coach

Also Read: Araijeet's hat-trick helps India beat Korea 4-2 to start FIH Junior World Cup 2023 campaign on a high

The Indian women's hockey team for the 5 Nations Tournament Valencia 2023 is as follows: