Hockey India on Friday named a 20-member Indian women’s team for the International Hockey Women’s World Cup to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands next month. The team will also represent India at the Asian Games in September-October.The team will be captained by Salima Tete and head coach Sjoerd Marijne said the selected group provides the right balance ahead of the two big games. The World Cup will be held from August 15th to 30th.The team is currently training at the national camp in Bengaluru and includes a mix of experienced players as well as young players who have performed well in recent international matches.India entered the World Cup with an unbeaten win at the International Hockey Federation Nations Cup in New Zealand last month. The championship also ensured the team’s return to the top FIH Professional League.Savita and Bhikkhu Devi Karibam were designated as the two goalkeepers.The defensive team includes Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti and Shilpi Dabas.Captain Salima Tait will lead the midfield along with Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Tobo, Neha and Deepika Soren.The forward line includes Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur and Beauty Dungdung.“We have selected a balanced group of players who are ready for the big challenges they will face this summer. The team has worked hard in the preparations for the tournament and we are confident in the capabilities of this team,” Malini said in a release issued by Hockey India.India are placed in Group D along with China, England and South Africa.The team will play all group stage matches at the Wagner Hockey Arena in Amstelveen, the Netherlands. The Indian team will start against China on August 16, then face South Africa on August 18 and England on August 20.“We look forward to competing against the best teams in the world and showcasing our sport of hockey on the biggest stage,” Marini added.The Asian Games will be held in Nagoya, Ai, Japan from September 19 to October 4.Team India:goalkeeper: Savita, Bhikkhu Devi KalibamDefender: Ishika Chaudhary,Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam,Lalthantluangi,Jyoti,Shilpi DabasMidfield: Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (captain), Neha, Deepika Sorengforward: Lalremsiami,Rutuja Dadaso Pisal,Navneet Kaur,Deepika,Ishika,Baljeet Kaur,Beauty Dungdung.
