Hockey India named squad for FIH Pro League matches against Germany

The team will be led by experienced goalkeeper Savita.

Hockey India on Wednesday named 22-member Indian Women's Hockey Team who will take on the World No.5 Germany in the upcoming FIH Women's Hockey Pro League matches at home in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The matches will be held over the weekend on 12th and 13th March 2022 at the iconic Kalinga Hockey Stadium. 

The team will be led by Savita and Vice Captained by Deep Grace Ekka. The Indian team will see two new faces in promising young defender Akshata Abaso Dhekale of Hockey Maharashtra and striker Deepika Jr of Hockey Haryana who were picked in the Senior Core group following impressive performance in the Hockey India National Championship. 

The 22-member squad for the double-header against Germany includes Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam. Defenders Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita and Akshata Abaso Dhekale while the midfielders selected are Nisha, Salima Tete, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Jyoti, Monika, Neha, Navjot Kaur and Sonika who returns to the team after nearly two years. 

The forwardline will see Rajwinder Kaur, Sharmila Devi, Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Sangita Kumari, Mariana Kujur and Deepika Jr. Additionally, Rajani Etimarpu, Ishika Chaudhary, Namita Toppo have been named as standbys for the double-header. 

Talking about the team selection, Janneke Schopman, Chief Coach of Indian Women's Hockey Team said, "It’s an exciting time for us playing yet again two back-to-back Pro League games at home against an esteemed opponent. Germany is a very consistent team with probably the best basic skills around the world. They defend very well and are quick to attack. I feel we have selected a nice mix of young talent and experience and we’re looking to build on our performance vs Spain."

Indian Women's Team: 

Goalkeepers

1. Savita (Captain)

2. Bichu Devi Kharibam 

Defenders

3. Deep Grace Ekka (Vice Captain)

4. Gurjit Kaur  

5. Nikki Pradhan 

6. Udita 

7. Akshata Abaso Dhekale

Midfielders

8. Nisha  

9. Salima Tete 

10. Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam 

11. Jyoti 

12. Monika 

13. Neha 

14. Navjot Kaur 

15. Sonika 

Forwards 

16. Rajwinder Kaur

17. Sharmila Devi  

18. Navneet Kaur 

19. Lalremsiami 

20. Sangita Kumari 

21. Mariana Kujur 

22.Deepika 

Standbys 

1.Rajani Etimarpu

2.Ishika Chaudhary 

3.Namita Toppo

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