Hockey India Announces 24-Member Women’s Squad for FIH Pro League in Bhubaneswar

Hockey India has unveiled the 24-member Indian women’s hockey squad for the Bhubaneswar leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25, set to be held at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium from February 15 to 25. 

The Indian team will face England, the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany, playing each team twice in the high-stakes tournament.  

India’s campaign kicks off against England on February 15.  

Squad Breakdown

The team features a blend of experienced players and promising young talent.  

– Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam  

– Defenders: Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Jyoti, Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Chhatri  

– Midfielders: Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Manisha Chauhan, Salima Tete, Sunelita Toppo, Lalremsiami, Baljeet Kaur, Sharmila Devi  

– Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Mumtaz Khan, Preeti Dubey, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Beauty Dungdung, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Vandana Katariya  

Salima Tete will lead the team as Captain, with Navneet Kaur serving as Vice-Captain.  

Standby Players  

The reserve list includes goalkeeper Banwari Solanki, defenders Akshata Abaso Dhekale and Jyoti Singh, and forwards Sakshi Rana, Annu, and Sonam.  

Notably, Sonam has a strong chance of making her senior international debut after finishing as the second-highest scorer in the recently concluded Women’s Hockey India League.  

Coach’s Take on Selection  

Indian Women’s Hockey Team Chief Coach Harendra Singh expressed confidence in the squad’s balance and potential.  

“This team brings a good blend of experienced players and exciting young talent, which will be crucial as we face top-level competition. Our focus has been on building a balanced squad with strong options in every position.”  

Singh also emphasized the importance of young talent stepping up on the international stage.  

“I am particularly excited to see how some of the younger players perform, especially those who have shown great promise in the Women’s Hockey India League. We are confident in the team’s preparation and believe we can deliver strong performances against the world’s best teams.”  

As per FIH regulations, teams with more than four scheduled matches in a single Pro League stage can revise their 24-member squad after the first four matches. However, substitutions can only be made using players from the pre-approved standby list.  

With seasoned veterans and emerging talent in the squad, India will aim to make a strong impact in the FIH Pro League 2024-25, hoping to assert themselves against some of the toughest teams in world hockey.