Hockey India announces 34-member group for Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp

This is an important step in the Indian women's hockey team's preparation for the all-important FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier Ranchi 2024, starting on January 13.

Hockey India named the 34-member core probable group for the Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp. Image- SportzdoseFrank Uijlenbroek

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Hockey India has announced a 34-member core probable group for the Senior Women's National Coaching Camp to be held at the SAI Center in Bengaluru from November 22 to December 10, ahead of the 5-nation tournament in Valencia. The tournament is scheduled to be held between December 15, 2023 and December 22.

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Head coach Janneke Schopman spoke about the importance of the upcoming camp. Image- Hockey India

Meanwhile, India, Ireland, Germany, Belgium and hosts Spain will compete in the five-nation tournament in Valencia. This is an important step in the Indian women's hockey team's preparation for the all-important FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier Ranchi 2024, starting on January 13.

The Indian women's Hockey Team will be feeling confident when they return to the Women’s National Coaching Camp after a stellar performance at the Jharkhand Women's Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023 earlier this month. India won the gold medal by defeating Japan 4–0 in the final. They also remained unbeaten in the tournament in which China, Korea, Malaysia and Thailand also participated.

The core group for the Women’s National Coaching Camp includes goalkeepers Savita, Rajani Etimarpu, Bichu Devi Kharibam and Bansari Solanki. Whereas, Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Jyoti Chhatri and Mahima Chaudhary are included in the group of defenders.

Nisha, Salima Tete, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur, Monika, Mariana Kujur, Sonika, Neha, Baljeet Kaur, Reena Khokhar, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke and Ajmina Kujur are the midfielders called to the Women’s National Coaching Camp. Whereas, Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur, Vandana Katariya, Sharmila Devi, Deepika, Sangita Kumari, Mumtaz Khan, Sunelita Toppo and Beauty Dungdung are in the forward line-up.

Head coach Janneke Schopman spoke about the importance of the upcoming camp, saying, "We have been in good form over the past couple of months, with the bronze medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games and the gold medal in the Jharkhand Women's Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023. But it is important for us to continue to maintain our momentum and ensure we remain in the right frame of mind going into important competitions next year,"

"Our sights are set on the Paris Olympics and to ensure a spot, we have to perform well at the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024. The five-nation tournament is a good chance for us to test ourselves against European teams and also plan our strategies and make modifications as and when needed." Schopman added.