- विज्ञापन -
Bengaluru: Hockey India has revealed a 40-player core squad for the upcoming Senior Women’s National Training Camp, set to take place at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru from July 21 to August 29.
This camp is a crucial preparatory step as the Indian women’s hockey team aims to participate in the Women’s Asia Cup 2025 starting September 5 in Hangzhou, China. The tournament will also serve as a qualifying event for the 2026 FIH Women’s World Cup, with the winner securing a direct entry.
All existing players from the previous camp have been retained, reflecting a focus on stability and developmental continuity within the squad. The goalkeeping unit includes experienced players like Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Bansari Solanki, and Madhuri Kindo, along with the promising Samiksha Saxena from Assam Hockey, who impressed judges at the National Championships earlier this year.
The defense features veteran players such as Nikki Pradhan, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Udita, and Mahima Chaudhary, complemented by emerging talents like Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Chhatri, Anjna Dungdung, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, and Suman Devi Thoudam.
The midfield roster continues to rely on seasoned players like Neha, Salima Tete, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Manisha Chauhan, and Sharmila Devi, while also nurturing younger players such as Sujata Kujur, Mahima Tete, Albela Rani Toppo, and Pooja Yadav.
The forward line combines agility and finishing skill, featuring players such as Navneet Kaur, Deepika Soreng, Sangita Kumari, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Mumtaz Khan, Beauty Dungdung, Annu, Hritika Singh, Dipimonika Toppo, Chandana Jagadish, and Kajal Sadashiv Atpadkar.
Head coach Harendra Singh emphasized the importance of the camp, stating that it comes at a pivotal moment for the team. With the Asia Cup offering a direct route to the 2026 World Cup, the team is focusing intensely on preparation. He highlighted the decision to retain core players for consistency while giving younger athletes an opportunity to develop and integrate into the senior squad. After facing challenges in the European leg of the FIH Pro League, Singh mentioned the camp as a chance to reset and improve, especially in penalty corner defense, which was a concern during the recent competitions.
He concluded by saying the team maintains a positive outlook, with players aware of the stakes and using every training session to refine their tactics, decision-making, and team cohesion.
Selected squad overview:
