Hockey India on Wednesday announced a 40-member core group for the ongoing Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp at the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
The camp, which began on March 23, initially featured 65 probables. Based on their performances over the past two weeks, the group has now been trimmed to 40 players.
Of the 40 players selected, 28 have retained their spots from the existing core group, while 12 new players have been included in recognition of their impressive performances in the 15th Senior Women’s National Championship and the initial national training camp, Hockey India stated in a release.
Chief coach Harendra Singh expressed his satisfaction with the selection process, stating, “We have had some highly productive sessions and rigorous testing. The selectors and the coaching staff have done a commendable job in shortlisting the best 40 players available. After closely watching the National Championships, we believe we have identified promising talent who will serve the country well in the long run. I am excited to see how these young athletes perform in the camp and take a significant step towards their future.”
Goalkeepers:
The goalkeeping unit features four returning players—Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Bansari Solanki, and Madhuri Kindo—who have retained their places in the core group. They are joined by Samiksha Saxena from Assam Hockey, recognized for her standout performances in the national championships.
Defenders:
Eight defenders from the existing core group have been retained: Mahima Chaudhary, Nikki Pradhan, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Chhatri, Jyoti, and Akshata Abaso Dhekale. Additionally, Anjna Dungdung from Hockey Bengal and Suman Devi Thoudam from Manipur Hockey have earned their spots in the squad.
Midfielders:
The midfield unit continues to feature experienced players such as Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Salima Tete, Manisha Chauhan, Ajmina Kujur, Sunelita Toppo, Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, and Baljeet Kaur. Four new players—Sujata Kujur (Hockey Bengal), Mahima Tete and Albela Rani Toppo (Hockey Jharkhand), and Pooja Yadav (UP Hockey)—have been added based on their impressive performances.
Forwards:
Among the forwards, Deepika Soreng, Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Beauty Dungdung, and Mumtaz Khan have retained their places. They are joined by five new attacking talents: Dipimonika Toppo (Odisha), Hritika Singh (Hockey Madhya Pradesh), Annu and Chandana Jagadish (Hockey Karnataka), and Kajal Sadashiv Atpadkar (Hockey Maharashtra).
Indian Women’s Hockey Team – 40-Member Senior Core Group:
Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Bansari Solanki, Madhuri Kindo, Samiksha Saxena
Defenders: Mahima Chaudhary, Nikki Pradhan, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Chhatri, Jyoti, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Anjna Dungdung, Suman Devi Thoudam
Midfielders: Sujata Kujur, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Salima Tete, Manisha Chauhan, Ajmina Kujur, Sunelita Toppo, Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, Baljeet Kaur, Mahima Tete, Albela Rani Toppo, Pooja Yadav
