Indian hockey player Jyoti Singh has been appointed as the captain of the Indian Junior women’s team by Hockey India with midfielder Sakshi Rana as her deputy for a 22-member squad on May 6. The team is set to tour Europe from May 21 to 29. During this tour, India will compete in six matches against three nations Belgium, Germany, and two club teams in the Netherlands which are Bredase Hockey Vereniging Push and Oranje Rood. Jyoti expressed enthusiasm for the camaraderie within the squad and the chance to play against high-quality opposition abroad.
"There's great camaraderie in the squad. All of us have gotten to know each other pretty well during the camp. Everyone here is very skilful and talented. It will be fun and a good learning experience playing abroad against other top-quality teams”, Jyoti told Hockey India.
On May 21, India are set to play their first clash against Bredas Hockey Vereniging Push in Breda. Thereafter, the side will take on Belgium at the same venue on May 22. This is the second time India will face Belgium but they will host on this occasion on May 24. India will cross swords with Germany on May 26 in Breda and May 27 in Germany respectively. For the final match of the tour, India will return to Breda to play against Oranje Rood on May 29.
Vice-captain Sakshi Rana highlighted that the tour is seen as a valuable opportunity to enhance their skills and understanding of the game.
"Playing against good teams from other countries helps in developing an understanding of different approaches to the game. An exposure tour like this provides all of us with a tremendous opportunity to take our game to the next level," vice-captain Sakshi Rana said.
22-member Junior Women's squad
GOALKEEPERS - Aditi Maheshwari, Nidhi
DEFENDERS - Jyoti Singh (C), Lalthantluangi, Anjali Barwa, Puja Sahoo, Mamita Oram, NirruKullu
MIDFIELDERS - Kshetrimayum Sonia Devi, Rajani Kerketta, Priyanka Yadav, Khaidem Shileima Chanu, Sakshi Rana (VC), Anisha Sahu, Supriya Kujur
FORWARDS - Binima Dhan, Hina Bano, Lalrinpuii, Ishika, Sanjana Horo, Sonam, Kanika Siwach.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Big blow to CSK; star pacer returns home due to injury ahead of IPL 2024 playoffs
IPL 2024: Legendary Sunil Gavaskar lauds Mohammed Siraj's ‘self-belief and never-say-die attitude’
