Hockey India announced the Indian junior women’s team for the South Africa tour, set to begin on February 14.
India’s squad for the tour includes Deepika Soreng, Deepika, Sunelita Toppo, Madugula Bhavani, Annu, Taranpreet Kaur in the forward line, and Jyoti Chhatri, Manju Chorsiya, Hina Banu, Nikita Toppo, Hritika Singh, Sakshi Rana, and Rutaja Dadaso Pisal in the midfield. The defense line-up consists of Preeti (captain), Jyoti Sing, Neelam, Mahima Tete, and Mamita Oram. Four reserve players, Aditi Maheshwari, Anjali Barwa, Edula Jyothi, and Bhumiksha Sahu, have also been named in the squad.
Chief coach Janneke Schopman said, “The tour is a good opportunity for us to test our young batch of talented players and give them the right kind of exposure. It is important for us to ensure that we continue to give ample playing opportunities to players who are showing signs of progress. We hope to achieve good results on the tour.”
India squad:
Goalkeepers: Kurmapu Ramya, Madhuri Kindo
Defenders: Preeti (captain), Jyoti Singh, Neelam, Mahima Tete, Mamita Oram
Midfielders: Jyoti Chhatri, Manju Chorsiya, Hina Banu, Nikita Toppo, Hritika Singh, Sakshi Rana, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal (vice-captain)
Forwards: Deepika Soreng, Deepika, Sunelita Toppo, Madugula Bhavani, Annu, Taranpreet Kaur
Reserve players: Aditi Maheshwari, Anjali Barwa, Edula Jyothi, Bhumiksha Sahu