Northeast hockey players Bichu Devi Kharibam and Lalremsiami part of 20-member Indian women’s team for Australia tour
First Published: 8th May, 2023 16:01 IST
Bichu Devi Kharibam is the second goalkeeper named in the squad with defenders Deep Grace Ekka, Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary
Hockey India on Monday named a 20-member national women’s team for a three-match series in Australia, to be held in Adelaide from May 18.
They will also play two games against Australia ‘A’. The tour will be part of the team’s preparations ahead of the all-important Hangzhou Asian Games, reported Republic TV.
The Indian team will be led by ace goalkeeper Savita Punia who was recently bestowed with the Balbir Singh Sr Hockey India Player of the Year (2022) Award. She will be assisted by Deep Grace Ekka as the team’s vice captain.
Bichu Devi Kharibam is the second goalkeeper named in the squad with defenders Deep Grace Ekka, Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, Udita and Gurjit Kaur.
The midfielders include Nisha, Navjot Kaur, Monika, Salima Tete, Neha, Navneet Kaur, Sonika, Jyoti, and Baljeet Kaur.
India’s forward line will be spearheaded by the seasoned striker Vandana Katariya who has more than 250 international caps. She will be joined by Lalremsiami, Sangita Kumari and Sharmila Devi.
Speaking about the team selection, chief coach Janneke Scopman said, “We are excited to have international exposure again after two intense training blocks. Australia are a formidable opponent that loves to play attacking hockey with speed.
“It will be a great test for us, and we will endeavour to match their speed on offence while maintaining our defensive ground.” India will face Australia on May 18, 20 and 21, and Australia ‘A’ on the May 25 and 27. The Mate Stadium in Adelaide will host all five games.
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Legal Action Will be Taken Against Those Involved in Arson and Looting MLAs, Ministers’ Homes: Manipur CM N Biren Singh
22nd November 2024
Live Assam: Father-Daughter Duo Killed in Road Accident On the Way To School in Bongaigaon, Angry Locals Torch Bus
22nd November 2024
Live Indian Student Dies on His Birthday, Accidently Shoots Himself at His Atlanta Home
22nd November 2024
Live Meghalaya To Tackle ‘VIP Culture’ With New SOP on Sirens, Tinted Glasses And Flickering Lights
22nd November 2024
WE RECOMMEND
Manipur: Amid Rising Violence, Centre Sanctions Rs 104.66 Cr to Boost Healthcare in Hill Districts
The hill districts will get access to advanced medical services, including CT scans, MRIs, ICU care, and super-specialty treatments for the first time.
21st November 2024
SC grants 8 weeks to Manipur govt to respond to plea challenging ILP in state
The plea has challenged the permit system contending that it provides unbridled power to the state to restrict entry and exit of non-indigenous persons
21st November 2024
If You Are Waiting for New Delhi to Fix Your Problem, You Are Living in Fool’s Paradise: Pradyut Debbarma on Manipur Situation
"Sitting in Manipur, if you expect people from New Delhi, Bombay or Bengaluru to come and save you, you are living in a fool's paradise," said Pradyot Debbarma.
20th November 2024
COCOMI Suspends Agitation for 7 Days Following Deadline Given to Centre by NDA MLAs
COCOMI had initially presented a three-point demand to the state government, and set a 24-hour deadline for it to respond to their demands.
20th November 2024
Manipur CM Biren Singh Hits Back at P Chidambaram, Says He is the Root Cause of Manipur Violence
Earlier today, P Chidambaram said that there was a need to acknowledge CM Biren Singh to be the cause of this crisis while demanding that he be removed "immediately."
19th November 2024