Hockey India on Friday named an unchanged 20-member Indian women’s squad for next month’s FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands, the same squad that is also expected to represent the country at the Asian Games in September-October.The team will be captained by Salima Tete, while head coach Sjoerd Marijne said that the team that has been selected gives the opportunity to qualify for two major tournaments. The World Cup will be held from August 15 to 30.The squad, which is currently undergoing training at the national camp in Bengaluru, comprises of experienced players and youngsters who have impressed in recent international tournaments.India enter the World Cup after winning the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand last month without defeat. The title also saw the team return to the top flight FIH Pro League.Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam are the two chosen goalkeepers.The defensive unit includes Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti and Shilpi Dabas.Captain Salima Tete will lead the midfield alongside Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Neha and Deepika Soreng.The front row has Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur and Beauty Dungdung.“We have selected a good group of players who are ready for the big challenges that we will face this summer. The team has worked hard in preparation for this tournament and we are confident in the ability of the team,” said Marijne in a statement to Hockey India.India have been placed in Package D along with China, England and South Africa.The team will play all of its matches at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, the Netherlands. India will begin their campaign against China on August 16 before facing South Africa on August 18 and England on August 20.“We are looking forward to competing with the best teams in the world and showing our hockey on the biggest stage,” added Marijne.The Asian Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4.Team India:Scores: Savita, Bichu Devi KharibamProtectors: Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi DabasMiddle players: Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (captain), Neha, Deepika SorengPlayers: Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, Beauty Dungdung.
