Salima Tete has been appointed as the Captain, with Navneet Kaur serving as her deputy, for the upcoming Europe leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League.
Hockey India unveiled the 24-member Indian Women’s Hockey Team set to compete in the Belgium and England legs of the FIH Pro League 2023-24. The action-packed schedule kicks off with the Belgium leg from May 22nd to May 26th, followed by the England leg starting on June 1st until June 9th.
India is geared up to face Argentina, Belgium, Spain, Great Britain, and Germany twice each during these legs. Their opening match is against Argentina on May 22nd. Presently, India holds the 6th position in the standings, accumulating eight points from eight games.
Taking the reins of the team is Captain Salima Tete, who recently clinched the prestigious Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of The Year 2023 in the Women’s category at the 6th Hockey India Annual Awards 2023. Assisting her as the deputy is midfielder Navneet Kaur.
Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam will man the goalkeeping department, while the defensive lineup features Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Monika, Jyoti Chhatri, and Mahima Chaudhary.
In midfield, the team will be bolstered by Salima Tete, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Navneet Kaur, Neha, Jyoti, Baljeet Kaur, Manisha Chauhan, and Lalremsiami. The forward line showcases talent with players like Mumtaz Khan, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Sharmila Devi, Preeti Dubey, Vandana Katariya, Sunelita Toppo, and Deepika Soreng.
Captain Salima Tete expressed her enthusiasm, “I am thrilled to lead the team. It’s a significant responsibility, and I’m eager to embrace this new role. We have a talented squad comprising both experienced and young players. We are focused on delivering strong performances in the upcoming Belgium and England legs of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023-2024.”
Vice-Captain Navneet Kaur echoed her sentiments, expressing her excitement about the challenges ahead and her determination to excel in the competition.
The Indian Women’s Hockey Team, with its blend of seasoned veterans and promising talents, is geared up for an exhilarating campaign in the FIH Hockey Pro League.
