New Delhi, June 24: Hockey India has announced a 24-member Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team for an exposure tour in the United Kingdom from July 5 to 14. Under the guidance of new head coach Tim White, the team will play a total of seven matches in Scotland and England.
This tour is a crucial part of preparations for the Junior Asia Cup and other upcoming international tournaments. Players will gain valuable experience playing in foreign conditions, which will enhance their skills and confidence. The young Indian team will be led by captain Kaidem Shilema Chanu, with Nidhi and Angil Harsha Rani Minz serving as goalkeepers.
The defensive unit includes Pooja Sahu, Supriya, Madhu, F. Lalbi Aksiyami, Lalneihpui, and Parvati Topno. In the midfield, captain Chanu will be joined by Tanuja Toppo, Supriya Kujur, Pooja Malik, Binima Dhan, Geeta Yadav, Roshni Aind, and Tanushree Dinesh Kadu.
The forward line features Sukveer Kaur, Shashi Khasa, Lalrinpui, Nisha Minz, Purnima Yadav, Kajal, Sanika Chandrakant Mane, and Krishna Sharma. This nine-day exposure tour will kick off with two matches against the Scotland senior women’s team at the University of Edinburgh, followed by matches against junior teams from the United States, England, and Belgium at the Lilleshall National Sports Centre.
Through this competitive experience, Coach White aims to improve combinations and strategies for future tournaments. Commenting on the squad and the significance of the tour, White stated, “The UK tour is an essential part of our junior squad’s development process. We have selected an exciting young group, many of whom have not had the chance to play against foreign teams, making this a fantastic learning opportunity for both individuals and the team.”
He added, “We will be playing against very competitive players, so we expect challenges. However, we will treat each match as a learning opportunity and also implement what we have been working on over the past ten weeks. I am confident that this will be excellent preparation for the upcoming Asia Cup, as we will use this tour to solidify our strengths and identify areas for improvement.”
The Indian Junior Women’s Team for the UK Tour:
Goalkeepers: Nidhi, Angil Harsha Rani Minz
Defenders: Pooja Sahu, Supriya, Madhu, F. Lalbi Aksiyami, Lalneihpui, Parvati Topno
Midfielders: Kaidem Shilema Chanu (Captain), Tanuja Toppo, Supriya Kujur, Pooja Malik, Binima Dhan, Geeta Yadav, Roshni Aind, Tanushree Dinesh Kadu
Forwards: Sukveer Kaur, Shashi Khasa, Lalrinpui, Nisha Minz, Purnima Yadav, Kajal, Sanika Chandrakant Mane, Krishna Sharma
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