Preeti named captain as India’s Junior Women’s Hockey Team set for World Cup in Chile 2023

Hockey India has revealed the lineup for the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team set to compete in the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup Chile 2023. The tournament is scheduled from November 29 to December 10 in Santiago, Chile.

The Indian team is placed in Pool C alongside Germany, Belgium, and Canada. They kick off their campaign against Canada on November 29, followed by matches against Germany and Belgium on November 30 and December 2, respectively.

Teams from the Netherlands, South Africa, Australia, and Chile make up Pool A, while Pool B includes Argentina, Spain, Zimbabwe, and Korea. In Pool D, England, the USA, New Zealand, and Japan will compete for a spot in the Quarterfinals.

The Quarter-Finals are slated for December 6, with the Semi-Finals on December 8, and the Final on December 10.

Preeti will lead the Indian Junior team, supported by Rutuja Dadaso Pisal as her deputy. The squad comprises goalkeepers Khushboo and Madhuri Kindo, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, as well as replacement athletes.

Indian Women’s Junior Team Coach Tushar Khandker emphasized the team’s hard work and readiness for the World Cup. The players are eager to exhibit their talents and have shown commendable performances in recent times.

Ahead of the Junior World Cup, the team plans to undergo training and practice matches in Argentina to acclimatize to the conditions and set the tone for the tournament.

Indian Team:

Goalkeepers: Khushboo, Madhuri Kindo

Defenders: Neelam, Preeti (C), Jyoti Singh, Ropni Kumari,

Midfielders: Mahima Tete, Manju Chorsiya, Jyoti Chhatri, Hina Bano, Sujata Kujur, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (VC)

Forwards: Sakshi Rana, Mumtaz Khan, Annu, Deepika Soreng, Dipi Monika Toppo, Sunelita Toppo

Replacement athletes: Thounaojam Nirupama Devi, Jyothi Edula