Salima Tete named captain of 18-member Indian squad for Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024
Hockey India announced a revamped 18-member Indian squad for the upcoming edition of the Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024, slated to be held at the newly developed Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar from November 11 to 20.
India will enter the competition as defending champions, having secured a 4-0 victory over Japan last year to lift their second title. They won their maiden Women's Asian Champions Trophy title in 2016.
China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand will be the five other nations competing alongside hosts India in the 10-day tournament.
Salima Tete has been named the captain of the Indian side, while Navneet Kaur has been appointed as the vice-captain for the Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024.
Captain Salima Tete opened up about the team selection and preparations for the tournament as India look to defend their title. She was quoted as saying in a press release by Hockey India:
“It’s an incredible feeling to lead the team into another major tournament, especially as defending champions. We’ve trained rigorously and have a strong unit with both experienced players and young talent. Our goal is to defend our title and play with the same passion and determination we showed last year.”
Vice-captain Navneet Kaur also spoke about the team's preparations for the Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 to Hockey India. She said:
“We are confident in our preparation and the chemistry we’ve built within the team. Playing in front of our home crowd is a huge boost, and we are ready to face tough competition from the best teams in Asia. Working alongside Salima has been great, and we are determined to make this tournament a memorable one.”
The hosts open their Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 campaign against Malaysia on November 11 at 7:30 pm IST.
India squad for Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024
Goalkeepers: Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Udita, Jyoti, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, and Ishika Chaudhary.
Midfielders: Neha, Salima Tete, Sharmila Devi, Manisha Chauhan, Sunelita Toppo, and Lalremsiami.
Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Preeti Dubey, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, and Beauty Dungdung.