Veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia will remain the captain and Vandana Katariya will be her deputy as Hockey India on December 30 announced the 18-member Indian women's team for the Olympic Qualifiers 2024. The Olympics qualifiers are set to take place in Ranchi from January 13 to 19, with India aiming to secure a spot in the top three teams and qualify for the Paris Olympics in 2024.
"The FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi is an important tournament on our Paris Olympics journey. It is imperative that we live up to the expectations and all the players in the squad are working to secure qualification," Indian Women's chief coach Janneke Schopman said in a release.
"After careful consideration, we have chosen a well-balanced team with immense skill and experience in all departments. Also, Savita and Vandana have faced high-pressure situations numerous times in their career so far. They are well equipped to guide the rest of the team as the Captain and Vice-Captain," she added.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper has recently secured her third consecutive FIH Goalkeeper of the Year Award, while veteran forward Vandana achieved the historic milestone of becoming the first female player from India to reach 300 caps.
India find itself in Pool B, alongside New Zealand, Italy, and the United States, while Pool A features Germany, Japan, Chile, and the Czech Republic in the upcoming Olympic Qualifiers.
India are set to kick off their campaign against the United States on January 13, followed by a match against New Zealand on January 14. The team will conclude their Pool B fixtures with a match against Italy on January 16.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Savita Punia (Captain), Bichu Devi Kharibam Defenders: Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Monika Midfielders: Nisha, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Navneet Kaur, Salima Tete, Sonika, Jyoti, Beauty Dungdung Forwards: Lalremsiami, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Vandana Katariya.
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