The 18-person Indian Junior Women's Team was announced by Hockey India on May 10 in preparation for the renowned Women's Junior Asia Cup 2023, which will start on June 2 in Kakamigahara, Japan.
During the group stage, the Indian Junior Women will compete against Korea, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei, and Uzbekistan in Pool A. The hosts, Japan, China, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong China, and Indonesia make up Pool B concurrently.
The top three teams from the Women's Junior Asia Cup 2023 will qualify for the FIH Junior Women's Hockey World Cup 2023, making it an important competition for the Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team.
Preeti will lead India's campaign as Captain, and Deepika will serve as Vice Captain. Defenders Mahima Tete, Preeti, Neelam, Ropni Kumari, and Anjali Barwa are also on the team, along with goalkeepers Madhuri Kindo and Aditi Maheshwari. According to a news release from Hockey India, the midfield is made up of Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Manju Chorsiya, Jyoti Chhatri, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Sujata Kujur, and Manashri Narendra Shedage.
Mumtaz Khan, Vice Captain Deepika, Deepika Soreng, and newcomers Annu and Sunelita Toppo will lead the attack for India in the forward line.
Janneke Schopman, the team's head coach, claimed “Choosing the team's 18 players for the Junior Asia Cup was difficult. The players are comparable to one another, but I believe we have chosen a solid team for the Junior Asia Cup. There is a lot of potential in India, so it's wonderful that these young athletes get the opportunity to compete on a global level.”
“We know we will have to compete constantly since Junior World Cup qualifying is on the line, but I'm eager to see where this team can go”, she continued.
India's campaign will start on June 3 against Uzbekistan, and continue on June 5 against Malaysia. On June 6, they will play Korea, followed by a game against Chinese Taipei. On June 10, the Semifinals will take place, and on June 11, the Final will take place.
Indian Junior Women’s Team: Goalkeepers: Madhuri Kindo, Aditi Maheshwari, Defenders: Mahima Tete, Preeti (C), Neelam, Ropni Kumari, Anjali Barwa, Midfielders: Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Manju Chorsiya, Jyoti Chhatri, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Sujata Kujur, Manashri Narendra Shedage, Forwards: Mumtaz Khan, Deepika (VC), Deepika Soreng, Annu, Sunelita Toppo.
