The upcoming Asian Hockey 5s World Cup Qualifier in Oman is all set to see Mandeep Mor steer the Indian men's hockey team while Navjot Kaur will lead the women's side. With the men's matches scheduled from August 29 to September 2 and the women's encounters lined up from August 25 to 28, anticipation is building among fans and players alike.
Supporting Mor in the men's team will be vice-captain and midfielder Mohd. Raheel Moudeen. The team features a robust lineup with Suraj Karkera donning the goalkeeper's gloves. Strengthening the defense alongside Mor are Jugraj Singh, Dipsan Tirkey, and Manjeet. The midfield will be bolstered by the likes of Maninder Singh and Moudeen. Pawan Rajbhar and Gurjot Singh will be the focal points in the attack. Additionally, Prashant Kumar Chauhan, Sukhvinder, Aditya Singh, and Arun Sahani are ready to step in as standbys. Janardhana C B, the Indian men's team coach, will guide the team through the tournament. Expressing confidence in the lineup, he mentioned, "Our squad is well-balanced and we have plenty of talent in our team who are motivated and determined to give their best in every match and compete fiercely. With the Hockey 5s World Cup qualification at stake, the team is determined to do well."
On the women's side, Jyoti will act as deputy to Navjot. The team's defense will be fortified by Bansari Solanki as the goalkeeper, along with Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Mahima Chaudhary, and Sonia Devi Kshetrimayum. Navjot and Ajmina Kujur will anchor the midfield, whereas the striking force will comprise Mariana Kujur, Jyoti, and Dipi Monika Toppo. Standbys for the women's team include Kurmapu Ramya, Nishi Yadav, Priyanka Yadav, and Ritanya Sahu. Soundarya Yendala, the Indian women's team coach, shared her enthusiasm saying, "I am looking forward to this exciting tournament. The players are ready. We have gone about our training sessions and we feel confident. We have a lot of experience as well as young players and I feel that the tournament will bring out the best in them."
With strong teams representing India, the qualifier promises thrilling action and intense competition.
Squads:
Indian men's team: Goalkeeper: Suraj Karkera Defenders: Jugraj Singh, Dipsan Tirkey, Manjeet, Mandeep Mor (Captain) Midfielders: Maninder Singh, Mohd Raheel Moudeen (Vice-Captain) Forwards: Pawan Rajbhar, Gurjot Singh Standbys: Prashant Kumar Chauhan, Sukhvinder, Aditya Singh, Arun Sahani.
Indian women's team: Goalkeeper: Bansari Solanki Defenders: Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Mahima Chaudhary, Sonia Devi Kshetrimayum Midfielders: Navjot Kaur (Captain), Ajmina Kujur Forwards: Mariana Kujur, Jyoti (Vice-Captain), Dipi Monika Toppo Standbys: Kurmapu Ramya, Nishi Yadav, Priyanka Yadav, Ritanya Sahu.
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