Hockey India announces a core probable group of 34 members for the National Women’s Coaching Camp.

On November 21, 2023, Hockey India announced the 34-member core probable group for the Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp, scheduled from November 22 to December 10, 2023, at the SAI Centre in Bengaluru. This camp precedes the 5 Nations Tournament in Valencia, scheduled from December 15 to December 22, 2023, featuring India, Ireland, Germany, Belgium, and hosts Spain. This tournament is crucial for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team’s preparations leading up to the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in Ranchi, set to begin on January 13, 2024.
Buoyed by their impressive display at the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023 earlier this month, the players of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team are set to return to camp with a boost in confidence. Clinching the Gold medal, India delivered a commanding performance, triumphing over Japan 4-0 in the Final. Throughout the tournament, India maintained an unbeaten record, facing competition from China, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand.

The core group comprises goalkeepers Savita, Rajani Etimarpu, Bichu Devi Kharibam, and Bansari Solanki. Defenders include Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Jyoti Chhatri, and Mahima Chaudhary. Midfielders called up for the camp are Nisha, Salima Tete, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur, Monika, Mariana Kujur, Sonika, Neha, Baljeet Kaur, Reena Khokhar, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, and Ajmina Kujur. The forwards line-up features Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur, Vandana Katariya, Sharmila Devi, Deepika, Sangita Kumari, Mumtaz Khan, Sunelita Toppo, and Beauty Dungdung.

Janneke Schopman, Chief Coach of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team, emphasized the significance of the upcoming camp, stating, “Our recent achievements, including the Bronze medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games and the Gold medal in the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023, reflect our good form. However, maintaining momentum is crucial as we approach important competitions next year, particularly the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024, aiming for a spot in the Paris Olympics. The five-nation tournament offers an opportunity to challenge ourselves against European teams, refine strategies, and make necessary adjustments. The National Coaching Camp will be pivotal for regrouping, addressing areas of improvement, and providing a roadmap to achieve our immediate goals.”

Indian Women’s Hockey Team 34-member Core Group:

GOALKEEPERS

1. Savita
2. Rajani Etimarpu
3. Bichu Devi Kharibam
4. Bansari Solanki

DEFENDERS

5. Deep Grace Ekka
6. Gurjit Kaur
7. Nikki Pradhan
8. Udita
9. Ishika Chaudhary
10. Akshata Abaso Dhekale
11. Jyoti Chhatri
12. Mahima Chaudhary

MIDFIELDERS

13. Nisha
14. Salima Tete
15. Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam
16. Jyoti
17. Navjot Kaur
18. Monika
19. Mariana Kujur
20. Sonika
21. Neha
22. Baljeet Kaur
23. Reena Khokhar
24. Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke
25. Ajmina Kujur

FORWARDS

26. Lalremsiami
27. Navneet Kaur
28. Vandana Katariya
29. Sharmila Devi
30. Deepika
31. Sangita Kumari
32. Mumtaz Khan
33. Sunelita Toppo
34. Beauty Dungdung