Hockey India announces Indian Junior Women's Team for tour of United Kingdom
New Delhi, June 24
Hockey India has announced the 24-member Indian Junior Women's squad for the exposure tour of the United Kingdom from 5 to 14 July.
Under its new coach Tim White, the team will play seven matches across Scotland and England as part of its preparations for upcoming international competitions, including the Junior Asia Cup, according to a release.
The young squad will be led by captain Khaidem Shileima Chanu, with Nidhi and Engil Harsha Rani Minz as the two goalkeepers. The defensive unit comprises Pooja Sahoo, Supriya, Madhu, F. Lalbi Aksiami, Lalneihpuii and Parwati Topno.
The midfield features captain Chanu, Tanuja Toppo, Supriya Kujur, Pooja Malik, Binima Dhan, Geeta Yadav, Roshni Aind and Tanushree Dinesh Kadu.
The forward line includes Sukhveer Kaur, Shashi Khasa, Lalrinpuii, Nisha Minj, Purnima Yadav, Kajal, Sanika Chandrakant Mane and Krishna Sharma.
The nine-day exposure tour will begin with two matches against the Scotland Senior Women's Team at the University of Edinburgh, followed by games against fellow junior sides from the United States, England and Belgium at the Lilleshall National Sports Centre.
Through this competitive experience, coach White will look to fine-tune combinations and strategies to prepare for the tournaments ahead.
"The tour to the UK is an important part of the development process for our junior squad. We have selected an exciting young group, many of whom have not had exposure to foreign teams, so it will be a great learning opportunity for individuals and for the group as a team," said White, commenting on the squad and the significance of the tour.
"As we will be playing against highly-competitive opposition, we expect to be challenged. However, we will take every game as a learning opportunity while also implementing the way of play we have been working on for the last 10 weeks. I'm certain this will be great preparation for the upcoming Asia Cup as we will use this tour to confirm our strengths as a team and also the key areas we need to improve," the coach added to conclude.
Indian Junior Women's Team for UK Tour:
Goalkeepers: Nidhi, Engil Harsha Rani Minz
Defenders: Pooja Sahoo, Supriya, Madhu, F. Lalbi Aksiami, Lalneihpuii, Parwati Topno
Midfielders: Khaidem Shileima Chanu (c), Tanuja Toppo, Supriya Kujur, Pooja Malik, Binima Dhan, Geeta Yadav, Roshni Aind, Tanushree Dinesh Kadu
Forwards: Sukhveer Kaur, Shashi Khasa, Lalrinpuii, Nisha Minj, Purnima Yadav, Kajal, Sanika Chandrakant Mane, Krishna Sharma
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some good news for Indian hockey! The Junior Asia Cup is crucial, and this UK tour will help the girls adapt to different playing conditions. Hope coach Tim White can bring out the best in them. All the best to the team!
Exciting times for Indian women's hockey! The team looks well-balanced with strong defenders like Pooja Sahoo and experienced midfielders. My only concern is the short duration - 9 days only 7 matches will be intense. Still, this is exactly what our junior players need to compete at the highest level. Go girls go! 💪
Good to see international collaboration in hockey development. As someone who follows hockey in the UK, I can say these matches will be competitive. The Scotland senior team plays a fast, physical game. Hope the Indian girls learn well and enjoy the experience. Best of luck!
A well-deserved opportunity for these talented youngsters! Names like Tanuja Toppo and Sukhveer Kaur have real potential. But I wish Hockey India would also focus on grassroots development in the Northeast and rural areas where hockey talent is abundant. Still, proud of the team selection! 🔥🏑
Wonderful to see so many players from diverse backgrounds - tribal communities, rural areas, different states. Hockey truly unites India. This UK tour will be a stepping stone for many. Wishing the entire squad a successful tour and may they make India proud at the Junior Asia Cup! 🙏✨
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