Hockey India names 18-member Women's Team for Hockey Olympic Qualifiers; Savita Punia to lead the squad

Hockey Indiaannounced the 18-member Indian Women's Hockey squad Team for the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024 on Saturday. The tournament is scheduled to be held in Ranchi from 13th to 19th January.

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Experienced goalkeeper Savita Punia will be the captain of Indian Women's Hockey team in the Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, while Vandana Katariya will be the vice-captain. The top three teams of the tournament will qualify for the Paris Olympics 2024.

Savita recently won the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year award while Vandana became the first Indian woman player to play 300 international matches. India have been placed in Pool B along with New Zealand, Italy and the US while Germany, Japan, Chile and Czech Republic are in Group A. India will play its first match of Hockey Olympic Qualifiers against America on 13 January. After this, they have to play New Zealand on 14 January and Italy on 16 January.

The Indian Women's Hockey Team for the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024 comprises goalkeepers, Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam. Meanwhile, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, and Monika have been named as defenders in the squad. Nisha, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Navneet Kaur, Salima Tete, Sonika, Jyoti, and Beauty Dungdung will feature in the midfield. Lalremsiami, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, and Vandana Katariya will lead the line as forwards.

Speaking on the team selection, Indian Women's Hockey Team Chief Coach Janneke Schopman said, "The FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024 is an important tournament on our Paris 2024 Olympics journey. It is imperative that we live up to expectations and all the players in the squad are working to secure qualification. After careful consideration, we have chosen a well-balanced team with immense skill and experience in all departments. Also, Savita and Vandana have faced high-pressure situations numerous times in their career so far, they are well equipped to guide the rest of the team as the Captain and Vice Captain."

Indian Team for FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024:

Goalkeepers

• Savita

Defenders

• Nikki Pradhan

Midfielders

• Nisha

Also Read: Forward Jyoti Chhatri wants to make a place in the team for FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers

Forwards

• Lalremsiami