Shileima Chanu to lead Indian hockey squad
Mid-fielder Khaidem Shileima Chanu will lead an 18-member Indian junior women’s team in the Junior Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in Moqi, China, from August 30 to September 13.
As part of its preparations for the continental tournament, an extended squad recently returned from an exposure tour of the United Kingdom. The match schedule and pool compositions for the Asia Cup will be announced closer to the start of the tournament.
“I am proud of the commitment and determination these young players have shown in earning their place in the squad for the Junior Asia Cup,” said coach Tim White, who took charge of the team earlier this year.
“Over the past few months, they have worked tirelessly to improve every aspect of their game, and I have seen them grow both as individuals and as a team,” added White.
White urged the players to consider the tournament as a launch-pad to realise their bigger dreams. “This tournament is an important opportunity to test ourselves against Asia’s best and continue our journey towards bigger goals.
“We will approach every match with confidence and discipline. I am confident this group has the talent and character to make the country proud,” he added.
India Squad:
Goalkeepers: Nidhi, Engil Harsha Rani Minz Defenders: Puja Sahoo, Supriya, Pooja Malik, Parwati Topno, Madhu Mid-fielders: Khaidem Shileima Chanu (C), Tanuja Toppo, Binima Dhan, Roshni Aind, Geeta Yadav Forwards: Lalrinpuii, Purnima Yadav, Sukhveer Kaur, Krishna Sharma, Sanika Chandrakant Mane, Madhu Sidar Alternate Players: F Lalbiaksiami, Tanushree Dinesh Kadu.