India announce 18-member hockey squad for women's Junior Asia Cup 2023

Captain Preeti will spearhead the Indian defence

Hockey India on Wednesday named the 18-member Indian Junior Women’s Team for the prestigious Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 scheduled to begin from 2nd June in Kakamigahara, Japan. The Indian Junior Women will be up against Korea, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei and Uzbekistan in Pool A during the group stage while Pool B consists of hosts Japan, China, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong China and Indonesia. The Women's Junior Asia Cup 2023 is a crucial event for the Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team as the top three nations from the tournament will qualify to the FIH Junior Women's Hockey World Cup 2023.

India’s campaign will be spearheaded by Captain Preeti while Deepika has been named the Vice Captain. Goalkeepers Madhuri Kindo and Aditi Maheshwari have been named in the squad along with defenders Mahima Tete, Preeti, Neelam, Ropni Kumari and Anjali Barwa. The midfield consists of Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Manju Chorsiya, Jyoti Chhatri, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Sujata Kujur and Manashri Narendra Shedage.

India’s forward line will see the experienced Mumtaz Khan, Vice Captain Deepika and Deepika Soreng lead the charge along with newcomers Annu and Sunelita Toppo.

Speaking about the team and the campaign, Chief Coach Janneke Schopman said, “It wasn’t easy to select the 18 players for the Junior Asia Cup. The group of players are on par with each other but I think we selected a strong team for the Junior Asia Cup. There is lots of talent in India and it’s great that these young players get a chance to show themselves on the international stage.”

“With Junior World Cup qualification at stake we know we will have to compete every second but I’m excited to see where this team can go,” she added.

India will begin their campaign against Uzbekistan on 3rd June followed by a match against Malaysia on 5th June. They will take on Korea on 6th June followed by a match against Chinese Taipei. The Semis will be held on 10th June while the Final will be played on 11th June.  

Indian Junior Women’s Team:

Goalkeepers:

1. Madhuri Kindo
2. Aditi Maheshwari

Defenders:

3. Mahima Tete
4. Preeti (Captain)
5. Neelam
6. Ropni Kumari
7. Anjali Barwa

Midfielders:

8. Rutaja Dadaso Pisal
9. Manju Chorsiya
10. Jyoti Chhatri
11. Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke
12. Sujata Kujur
13. Manashri Narendra Shedage

Forwards:

14. Mumtaz Khan
15. Deepika (VC)
16. Deepika Soreng
17. Annu
18. Sunelita Toppo