Hockey India named the 18-member Indian Junior Women’s Team for the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 that will take place in Kakamigahara, Japan from 2nd June.
The Indian team will compete against Korea, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei and Uzbekistan in Pool A during the group stage. Pool B consists of hosts Japan, China, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong China and Indonesia. The Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 is a crucial event as the top three nations from the tournament will qualify for the FIH Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup 2023.
The Indian team will be led by Captain Preeti, and Vice Captain Deepika. Goalkeepers Madhuri Kindo and Aditi Maheshwari have been named in the squad, along with defenders Mahima Tete, Preeti, Neelam, Ropni Kumari and Anjali Barwa. The midfield will consist of Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Manju Chorsiya, Jyoti Chhatri, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Sujata Kujur and Manashri Narendra Shedage.
India’s forward line will see Mumtaz Khan, Vice Captain Deepika and Deepika Soreng leading the charge, along with newcomers Annu and Sunelita Toppo.
The Chief Coach Janneke Schopman said, “It wasn’t easy to select the 18 players for the Junior Asia Cup. The group of players is on par with each other, but I think we selected a strong team for the Junior Asia Cup. There is lots of talent in India, and it’s great that these young players get a chance to show themselves on the international stage.”
“With Junior World Cup qualification at stake we know we will have to compete every second, but I’m excited to see where this team can go,” she added.
India will start their campaign against Uzbekistan on June 3, followed by a match against Malaysia on June 5. They will then take on Korea on June 6, followed by a match against Chinese Taipei. The Semis will be held on June 10, while the Final will be played on June 11.
Indian Junior Women’s Team:
Goalkeepers: Madhuri Kindo, Aditi Maheshwari,
Defenders: MahimaTete, Preeti (C), Neelam, Ropni Kumari, Anjali Barwa,
Midfielders: Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Manju Chorsiya, Jyoti Chhatri, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Sujata Kujur, Manashri Narendra Shedage,
Forwards: Mumtaz Khan, Deepika (VC), Deepika Soreng, Annu, Sunelita Toppo