The Indian women's hockey team is fully prepared to participate in the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25. This crucial tournament is set to commence on June 14th in London.
Sports News: The Indian women's hockey team is geared up for the upcoming European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25. Hockey India announced a 24-member squad for the competition on May 12th. Young midfielder Salima Tete has been appointed captain, while experienced forward Navneet Kaur will serve as vice-captain.
This leg of the Pro League will be played between June 14th and 29th in London, Antwerp, and Berlin, where the Indian team will face b opponents like Australia, Argentina, Belgium, and China.
A Blend of Youth and Experience
The team comprises a mix of youth and experienced players. Under Salima Tete's captaincy, India will take the field with renewed energy. The goalkeeping responsibility has been entrusted to the experienced Savita and young talent Bichu Devi Kharibam. The defense comprises Sushma Chanu Pukhrambam, Jyoti, Suman Devi Thodam, Jyoti Singh, Ishika Chaudhary, and Jyoti Chhatri. These players' defensive skills are considered the backbone of the team.
The midfield will feature captain Salima, along with Vaishnavi Vitthal Falke, Sujata Kujur, Manisha Chauhan, Neha, Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, Sunita Toppo, and Mahima Tete. This midfield combination promises a potent blend of speed and control. The attacking front, consisting of Deepika, Navneet Kaur, Deepika Soreng, Baljeet Kaur, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Beauty Dungdung, and Sakshi Rana, is expected to deliver goals. Goalkeeper Bansri Solanki and defender Azmina Kujur are on standby, ready to join the team in case of any emergency.
Coach's Statement: 'Every Match Will Be Challenging'
Reacting to the team selection, head coach Harendra Singh said, "We have chosen a team that presents an excellent balance of experience and youthful enthusiasm. The European leg is extremely important for us as we will be playing against some of the top teams in the world. We are confident that the players will give their best performance."
Pro League Schedule: India's Challenging Path
The Indian team will play a total of 8 matches in the European leg, facing each opponent twice. All matches will be played according to Indian Standard Time:
- June 14th: India vs Australia – London, 3:30 PM
- June 15th: India vs Australia – London, 3:00 PM
- June 17th: India vs Argentina – London, 8:00 PM
- June 18th: India vs Argentina – London, 8:00 PM
- June 21st: India vs Belgium – Antwerp, 4:30 PM
- June 22nd: India vs Belgium – Antwerp, 4:30 PM
- June 28th: India vs China – Berlin, 5:30 PM
- June 29th: India vs China – Berlin, 8:00 PM
Team India's All-Round Development
This leg of the FIH Pro League is not only an opportunity for India to improve its ranking but also a significant step towards the team's restructuring after the Paris Olympics 2024. Under the leadership of a young captain like Salima Tete, the team is not only working on its skills but is also prepared to compete internationally with confidence.
This new face of the Indian women's hockey team is an inspiration for the youth, and the upcoming matches will determine India's standing in women's hockey in the coming years.
