Ranchi to Host FIH Olympic Qualifier with Four Jharkhand Players in Indian Squad
Indian women’s team ready for FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in Ranchi, aiming for Paris 2024.
RANCHI – Hockey India has unveiled the Indian Women’s Hockey Team for the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, scheduled in Ranchi from 13th to 19th January 2024.
Four Jharkhand players – Nikki Pradhan, Salima Tete, Sangeeta, and Beauty – are set to represent India in this crucial tournament.
The event will take place at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astroturf Hockey Stadium, Morabadi, Ranchi.
Teams from 8 countries, including India, Italy, Chile, Japan, Czech Republic, Germany, New Zealand, and the United States, will vie for the top spots.
The 18-member Indian squad aims to finish among the top three to secure a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
India, placed in Pool B, will face New Zealand, Italy, and the United States in the group stages.
The team will kick off their campaign against the United States on 13th January, followed by New Zealand on 14th January, and Italy on 16th January.
The squad features goalkeepers Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam, with Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, and Monika as defenders.
The midfield includes Nisha, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Navneet Kaur, Salima Tete, Sonika, Jyoti, and Beauty Dungdung.
Forwards Lalremsiami, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, and Vandana Katariya will lead the attack.
Savita, the seasoned goalkeeper and three-time FIH Goalkeeper of the Year, captains the team, with veteran Vandana Katariya as vice-captain.
Chief Coach Janneke Schopman emphasizes the tournament’s importance and the team’s balanced composition for Olympic qualification.
