Bengaluru: Retaining a majority of the players who lifted the Nations Cup title in New Zealand a few weeks ago, Hockey India announced a 20-member women’s hockey squad for the Asian Games to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.
While defender and regular skipper Salima Tete will continue to lead the charge, in-form striker Navneet Kaur, dragflick expert Deepika, seasoned midfielder Nikki Pradhan and old guard Savita will form the crux of the Sjoerd Marijne-coached side at the continental showpiece.
The two entrants replacing Annu and Sonam are 25-year-old Baljeet Kaur and 23-year-old Beauty Dungdung, both who are expected to wield their sticks as forwards to further strengthen India’s attacking department.
“We have a group in which we have a nice balance between juniors, experienced players and seniors who are constantly working to get the best out of each other,” said coach Marijne about the squad announced on Friday.
“This group of players has shown that they have the right form and fitness in recent months. We are confident that this team is ready for the challenge at the Asian Games,” he added.
As the commotion of the team composition for the World Cup and Asian Games scheduled 20 days apart began to get louder, Marijne, in recent times, hinted several times that the squads for both top-tier events will remain the same.
With the team travelling for the Asiad — where the gold medallists qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics — being announced, the same set of players is likely to fly to the Netherlands and Belgium for the World Cup to be held from August 15 to August 30.
India squad:
Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam.
Defenders: Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi Dabas.
Midfielders: Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (capt), Neha, Deepika Soreng.
Forwards: Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, Beauty Dungdung.