Salima Tete to lead Indian team at Women’s Hockey World Cup; England, China await in pool stage

Salima Tete (PTI file photo) Hockey India on Friday named an unchanged 20-member Indian women’s squad for next month’s FIH Women’s Hockey World Championship in Belgium and the Netherlands, with the same group also set to represent the country at the Asian Games in September-October.The team will be captained by Salima Tete, while head coach Sjoerd Marijne said the selected group offers the right balance ahead of two big tournaments. The FIFA World Cup will be held from August 15 to 30.The squad, which is currently being prepared at the national camp in Bengaluru, combines experienced players with youngsters who have impressed in recent international competitions.India are heading into the World Cup after winning the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand last month unbeaten. The title also secured the team’s return to the top division of the FIH Pro League.Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam were appointed as the two keepers.The defense unit includes Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti and Shilpi Dabas.Captain Salima Tete will lead the midfield alongside Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Neha and Deepika Soreng.Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur and Beauty Dungdung star in the lead.“We have selected a well-balanced group of players who are ready for the big challenges we will face this summer. The team has worked hard in preparation for the tournament and we are confident in the abilities of this group,” Marijne said in a press release issued by Hockey India.India have been drawn in Group D alongside China, England and South Africa.The team will play all group stage matches at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, the Netherlands. India began their campaign against China on 16 August before facing South Africa on 18 August and England on 20 August.“We are looking forward to competing with the best teams in the world and showcasing our hockey on the biggest stage,” added Marijne.The Asian Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4.Indian Team:Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi KharibamDefenders: Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi DabasMidfielders: Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (captain), Neha, Deepika SorengForward: Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, Beauty Dungdung.