BENGALURU: Hockey India on Wednesday announced a 34-member core probable group for the senior women’s national coaching camp, which is scheduled to begin on December 27 at the SAI Center in Bengaluru.
The upcoming camp is important as the Indian team will aim to improve its preparations ahead of the crucial FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024 and FIH Hockey5s Women’s World Cup 2024.
The Indian women’s hockey team will return to camp after a short break following their tour in Spain. They faced Belgium, Germany, Ireland and hosts Spain in the 5-nation tournament Valencia 2023 and will now look to deliver a strong performance in the Olympic Qualifiers and book their place at the all-important Paris 2024 Olympics.
The FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier Ranchi 2024 is scheduled to take place in Ranchi from January 13 to January 19, with India placed in Pool B along with New Zealand, Italy and the United States.
Meanwhile, Pool A comprises Germany, Japan, Chile and Czech Republic. Next, India will participate in the FIH Hockey5s Women’s World Cup 2024 in Muscat, Oman, which will begin on January 24 and end on January 27.
The core group includes goalkeepers Savita, Rajni Etimarpu, Bichu Devi Kharibam and Bansari Solanki, while Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Jyoti Chhatri and Mahima Chaudhary form the group of defenders. Nisha, Salima Tete, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur, Monica, Mariana Kujur, Sonika, Neha, Baljeet Kaur, Reena Khokhar, Vaishnavi Vittal Phalke, and Azmina Kujur are the midfielders called for the camp, while Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur, Vandana Kataria, Sharmila Devi, Deepika, Sangeeta Kumari, Mumtaz Khan, Sunelita Toppo and Beauty Dungdung are in the forward line-up.
The Indian women’s hockey team will return to Ranchi after a stellar performance at the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023, where they were crowned champions last month. With the aim of qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Indian women’s hockey team head coach Janneke Schopman is trying to get the best performance from her players.
Jenneke Schopman explained the importance of the upcoming camp and said, “The 5 Nations Tournament Valencia 2023 served as a good litmus test before the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier Ranchi 2024. We have identified areas for improvement, and we Will utilize this festive period.” The team is looking forward to returning to Ranchi after its victory in the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in November. With a little time left now, we will focus on improving our game to make sure we are in the best position possible. – Physically, tactically and mentally – to secure qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics.”
Indian women’s hockey team 34-member core group:
Goalkeepers: Savita, Rajni Etimarpu, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Bansari Solanki
Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjeet Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Choudhary, Akshta Abaso Dhekale, Jyoti Chhatri, Mahima Choudhary.
Midfielders: Nisha, Salima Tete, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Jyoti Navjot Kaur, Monica, Mariana Kujur, Sonika, Neha, Baljeet Kaur Reena Khokhar, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Ajmina Kujur
Forward: Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur, Vandana Kataria, Sharmila Devi, Deepika, Sangeeta Kumari, Mumtaz Khan, Sunelita Toppo, Beauty Dungdung.
