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
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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).