Hockey India has unveiled an 18-member Indian Women’s Hockey Team roster set to compete in the upcoming Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024. This prestigious tournament will be held from November 11 to 20 at the newly built Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar.
As defending champions, India enters with high expectations after claiming the title in last year’s tournament in Ranchi. The team faces strong competition from five other countries, including Olympic silver medalists China, as well as Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand, all vying for continental dominance.
The Indian squad will be led by captain Salima Tete, with Navneet Kaur as vice-captain. Veteran goalkeeper Savita and rising star Bichu Devi Kharibam will share goalkeeping duties. The defence line-up includes Udita, Jyoti, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, and Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, who will anchor the backline.
In midfield, Salima Tete will be joined by Neha, Sharmila Devi, Manisha Chauhan, Sunelita Toppo, and Lalremsiami, adding depth and agility. The attack will be led by a strong forward line with Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Preeti Dubey, and Beauty Dungdung.
Sushila and Beauty Dungdung notably return to the squad after completing successful rehabilitation, bolstering India’s bid to defend their title.
Speaking about the announcement, Salima said that it was an incredible feeling to lead India once again in a mjor tournament and claimed the squad had trained rigorously for the Asian Champions Trophy. The India captain said that goal would be to defend the crown.
“It’s an incredible feeling to lead the team into another major tournament, especially as defending champions. We’ve trained rigorously and have a strong unit with both experienced players and young talent. Our goal is to defend our title and play with the same passion and determination we showed last year,” said Salima.
India’s schedule
India will kick off their campaign in the Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024 with an opening match against Malaysia, followed by a game against Korea on November 12. The team will then face Thailand on November 14, China on November 16, and conclude the group stage against Japan on November 17.
The tournament features a total of six teams: China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand, all competing for the title.
India’s squad for the Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024:
GOALKEEPERS
1. Savita
2. Bichu Devi Kharibam
DEFENDERS
3. Udita
4. Jyoti
5. Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke
6. Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam
7. Ishika Chaudhary
MIDFIELDERS
8. Neha
9. Salima Tete
10. Sharmila Devi
11. Manisha Chauhan
12. Sunelita Toppo
13. Lalremsiami
FORWARDS
14. Navneet Kaur
15. Preeti Dubey
16. Sangita Kumari
17. Deepika
18. Beauty Dungdung
