Raigir: For the next Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024, an 18-member Indian women’s hockey team would be captained by seasoned midfielder Salima Tete. The recently constructed Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Rajgir, Bihar, will host the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy from November 11 to November 2, 2024.
Salima Tete’s deputy for the competition is Navaneet Kaur. Sushila and Beauty Dungdung, who have recovered from injuries, will also return to the Indian squad for the competition.
India, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand are the six teams who will compete in the event. India will face Korea the next day after beginning their championship defense against Malaysia on November 11.
India’s next league games are against Thailand on November 14, China on November 16, and Japan on November 17.
Goalkeeping responsibilities will be handled by seasoned pro Savita Punia and up-and-coming talent Bichu Devi Kharibam, while a solid defensive lineup will include Udita, Jyoti, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, and Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke.
Neha, Sharmila Devi, Manisha Chauhan, Sunelita Toppo, and Lalremsiami will support captain Salima Tete, who will be an essential cog in the midfield. Players in the middle are lively and agile, and they may also attack from the sides.
An exciting front line will include Beauty Dungdung, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Preeti Dubey, and vice captain Navneet Kaur.
The Women’s Asian Champions Trophy is currently being defended by India. The squad defeated Japan 4-0 in the final to win the 2023 edition. India won the Asian Champions Trophy for the second time. In 2016, the inaugural championship was awarded.
Salima Tete, the captain, expressed optimism about a strong performance and mentioned that the squad is recovering after a demanding training regimen. Leading the squad into a big event again, particularly as the reigning winners, is an amazing experience. After extensive training, we have a solid team that includes both young and seasoned players. We want to compete with the same fervor and tenacity as we did the previous season in order to protect our crown,” she said.
“We are confident in our preparation and the chemistry we’ve built within the team,” vice captain Navneet Kaur agreed with her skipper. We are prepared to take on the top teams in Asia, and it is a big lift to play in front of our home audience. It has been a pleasure working with Salima, and we are committed to making this event one to remember.
Savita Punia, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Udita, Jyoti, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Ishika Chaudhary, Neha Goyal, Salima Tete, Sharmila Devi, Manisha Chauhan, Sunelita Toppo, Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur, Preeti Dubey, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, and Beauty Dungdung are the other members of the Indian team competing in the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy.
