New Delhi, 01 December (Hindustan Reporter). Hockey India on Sunday announced the 20-member Indian junior women’s hockey team for the upcoming Women’s Junior Asia Cup. This competition will be played in Muscat, Oman from 7 to 15 December. India will enter this tournament with high expectations as the defending champions after winning their first title by defeating South Korea 2-1 in the final last year.
10 teams will participate in the competition which have been divided into two pools. India has been placed in Pool A along with China, Malaysia, Thailand and Bangladesh, while Pool B includes South Korea, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong China and Sri Lanka.
The Indian junior women’s team will be commanded by Jyoti Singh, while Sakshi Rana will be the vice-captain. The team has two goalkeepers in the form of Nidhi and Aditi Maheshwari, while the defense will be commanded by Manisha, Jyoti Singh, Lalthantluangi, Pooja Sahu and Mamta Oram. The midfielder has talented players like Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Sunita Toppo, Ishika, Rajni Kerketta, Sakshi Rana and Khaidem Shilema Chanu. The front row will be led by Deepika, Beauty Dungdung, Kanika Siwach, Mumtaz Khan and Lalrinpui. Binima Dhan and Himanshi Sharad Gawande have been selected as alternate players.
On the selection of the team, coach Tushar Khandekar said in a statement that we are excited to defend our title in the Women’s Junior Asia Cup. This is a special group with a great balance of experience and young talent. Many of our players have already showcased their skills at the senior level and their presence will be vital in guiding the team. Our focus is on playing an aggressive, disciplined game and moving forward match by match. We have full confidence in our preparation and believe that this team has the ability to defend the title and make the country proud again.
The Indian team will play its first match against Bangladesh on 8 December.
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Hindusthan News / Virendra Singh
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