Savita Punia, captain of the Indian women’s hockey team. , Photo credit: Biswaranjan Raut
Hockey India on May 8 announced a 20-member national women’s team for the three-match series in Australia starting May 18 in Adelaide.
They will also play two matches against Australia ‘A’. The tour will be part of the team’s preparations ahead of the all-important Hangzhou Asian Games.
The Indian team will be led by ace goalkeeper Savita, who was recently awarded the Balbir Singh Senior Hockey India Player of the Year (2022) award. He will be assisted by Deep Grace Ekka as the vice-captain of the team.
Bichu Devi Kharibam is the other goalkeeper named in the squad along with defenders Deep Grace Ekka, Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chowdhary, Udita and Gurjeet Kaur.
Midfielders include Nisha, Navjot Kaur, Monika, Salima Tete, Neha, Navneet Kaur, Sonika, Jyoti and Baljeet Kaur.
India’s forward line will be led by veteran striker Vandana Katariya, who has over 250 international caps. He will be accompanied by Lalremsiami, Sangeeta Kumari and Sharmila Devi.
Talking about the team selection, head coach Janneke Schoopmann said, “We are excited to make international appearances again after two intense training blocks. Australia are a formidable opponent who prefer to play attacking hockey with pace. “
“It will be a big test for us, and we will try to match their pace on offense while holding our defensive ground.” India will play Australia on May 18, 20 and 21 and Australia ‘A’ on May 25 and 27. Adelaide’s Met Stadium will host all five matches.