India’s Salima Tete celebrates with teammates after scoring a purpose throughout FIH Women’s Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024 hockey match between India and Italy at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium, in Ranchi, Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024.
| Photo Credit: PTI
Mid-fielder Salima Tete on May 2 changed veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia as captain of the 24-strong Indian women’s hockey squad for the Belgium and England legs of the FIH Pro League beginning later this month.
Navneet Kaur has been named her deputy for the tour.
“I am happy that I have been appointed to lead the team. It is a big responsibility and I am looking forward to this new role. We have a strong squad and it’s a mix of experienced and young players,” Salima was quoted as saying in a Hockey India press launch.
“In the upcoming Belgium and England legs of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023-2024, we look to put our strong foot forward. We have worked on areas where we needed to improve,” she mentioned.
Savita had captained India in the course of the failed Olympic qualifying marketing campaign and the professional league matches at residence after that.
Barring three modifications, the squad was the identical that took half in the Bhubaneswar and Rourkela legs of the Pro League in February this 12 months.
Defender Gurjit Kaur, mid-fielders Sonika and Nisha and striker Beauty Dungdung have been dropped and had been changed by Mahima Chaudhary, Manisha Chauhan, Pretti Dubey and Deepika Soreng.
The matches in Belgium will start on May 22 and finish on May 26, whereas the England leg will start on June 1 and conclude on June 9.
India will play towards Argentina, and Belgium twice in the course of the first leg, beginning May 22 towards Argentina.
During the London leg, the group will tackle Great Britain and Germany.
India are at the moment positioned sixth in the FIH Pro League desk with eight factors from as many matches.
Salima was not too long ago honoured with the celebrated Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr Award for Player of The Year in the women’s class on the sixth Hockey India Annual Awards.
The goalkeeping duties will relaxation with Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam, whereas the defensive line-up consists of Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Monika, Jyoti Chhatri and Mahima.
The midfield will probably be marshalled by Salima, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Navneet, Neha, Jyoti, Baljeet Kaur, Manisha and Lalremsiami.
The ahead line boasts of Mumtaz Khan, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Sharmila Devi, Preeti, Vandana Katariya, Sunelita Toppo and Deepika.
Navneet, who changed Vandana as the group’s vice-captain mentioned, “It feels surreal to be named as the vice-captain. I am quite excited to get on with this team in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023-24, where we will play quality teams.
“We have an excellent group and we’re assured that we are going to do effectively in the Europe leg of the Pro League. I’m additionally seeking to work on my recreation and enhance.”
Indian women’s hockey squad
Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Monika, Jyoti Chhatri, Mahima Chaudhary.
Midfielders: Salima Tete (C), Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Navneet Kaur (VC), Neha, Jyoti, Baljeet Kaur, Manisha Chauhan, Lalremsiami.
Forwards: Mumtaz Khan, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Sharmila Devi, Preeti Dubey, Vandana Katariya, Sunelita Toppo, Deepika Soreng.
