Bhubaneswar: Five youngsters have got their maiden call-up to India’s senior women’s hockey squad that will embark on a tour of Australia later this month.
Among the debutants are two Odisha girls – defenders Sujata Kujur and Ajmina Kujur.
Midfielder Sunelita Toppo is the other player from Odisha named by Hockey India in the 26-member squad.
Salima Tete will lead the team, with Navneet Kaur being her deputy.
The tour, from April 26 to May 4, will see India taking on Australia A in the first two games, followed by three matches against the senior Australia team.
All five matches will be played at the Perth Hockey Stadium.
The tour will serve as preparation for the Indian team’s European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25, to be held in June.
INDIAN SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Jyoti Singh, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Sujata Kujur, Suman Devi Thoudam, Jyoti, Ajmina Kujur and Sakshi Rana.
Midfielders: Salima Tete (captain), Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Sharmila Devi, Manisha Chauhan, Sunelita Toppo, Mahima Tete, Pooja Yadav and Lalremsiami
Forwards: Navneet Kaur (vice-captain), Deepika, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Mumtaz Khan, Baljeet Kaur, Deepika Soreng, and Beauty Dungdung.
On standby: Bansari Solanki (goalkeeper), Anjana Dundung and Lalthantluangi (defenders), Sakshi Shukla and Khaidem Shileima Chanu (midfielders), along with Dipi Monika Toppo and Sonam (forwards).
