Hockey India has unveiled the 34-member core probable group for the Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp, set to kick off on December 27th at the SAI Centre in Bengaluru. The upcoming camp holds paramount importance as the Indian Women’s Hockey Team aims to refine their skills ahead of the crucial FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024 and the FIH Hockey5s Women’s World Cup 2024.
Following their recent expedition in Spain, where they competed in the 5 Nations Tournament Valencia 2023 against Belgium, Germany, Ireland, and Spain, the Indian squad is ready to regroup and intensify preparations for the Olympic Qualifiers. The FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024, scheduled from January 13th to 19th, will see India in Pool B alongside New Zealand, Italy, and the United States.
The journey doesn’t end there, as the team gears up for the FIH Hockey5s Women’s World Cup 2024 in Muscat, Oman, commencing on January 24th and concluding on January 27th.
The core group boasts a formidable lineup, with goalkeepers including Savita, Rajani Etimarpu, Bichu Devi Kharibam, and Bansari Solanki. The defensive unit features players like Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Jyoti Chhatri, and Mahima Chaudhary.
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Midfielders Nisha, Salima Tete, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur, Monika, Mariana Kujur, Sonika, Neha, Baljeet Kaur, Reena Khokhar, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, and Ajmina Kujur bring their skills to the camp. The forward line-up includes Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur, Vandana Katariya, Sharmila Devi, Deepika, Sangita Kumari, Mumtaz Khan, Sunelita Toppo, and Beauty Dungdung.
After a triumphant performance at the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023, where they were crowned champions, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team is set to return to Ranchi. With their sights set on qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Chief Coach Janneke Schopman highlighted the camp’s importance, stating, “The 5 Nations Tournament Valencia 2023 served as a good litmus test ahead of the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024.”
Schopman emphasized the team’s eagerness to return to Ranchi after their success in the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy. With limited time left, the focus is on refining every aspect of the game to secure qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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–IANS
