The 18-player Indian women’s hockey team was revealed by Hockey India. The tournament, which is slated to take place in Ranchi, 2024 from January 13–19, is part of the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers. The team’s main goal is to place among the top three teams in the tournament in order to earn a coveted seat at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
India, drawn into Pool B, will have to contend with fierce opposition from the US, Italy, and New Zealand. Germany, Chile, Japan, and the Czech Republic are included in Pool A. The Indian team played its first match on January 13 against the United States. On January 14, they play New Zealand. On January 16, they play Italy.
Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam, the goalkeepers, are on the declared team. In the team’s defensive lineup, defenders Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, and Monika are expected to play significant roles.
In the midfield will be Nisha, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Navneet Kaur, Salima Tete, Sonika, Jyoti, and Beauty Dungdung. The line leaders as forwards will be Lalremsiami, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, and Vandana Katariya. The team will once again be captained by seasoned Indian goalkeeper Savita, who just took home the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year Award for the third time in a row. Savita’s deputy for the crucial event will be experienced striker Vandana Katariya, who just made history as the first Indian woman player to reach 300 caps.
Chief coach of the Indian women’s hockey team Janneke Schopman discussed the squad selection, saying, “The FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024 is an important tournament on our Paris 2024 Olympics journey.” We have to perform to the highest standards, and every member of the team is striving to qualify. We have selected a well-rounded staff with enormous expertise and experience across all areas after giving it some serious thought. As captain and vice-captain, Savita and Vandana are also well-suited to lead the rest of the squad since they have both experienced high-pressure circumstances many times in their careers.”
