In a significant move, Hockey India has announced the 34-member core probable group for the Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp, set to kick off on 27th December at the SAI Centre in Bengaluru. This training camp holds immense importance as the Indian Women’s Hockey Team looks to fine-tune their skills ahead of the crucial FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024 and the FIH Hockey5s Women’s World Cup 2024.
Fresh from their stint in Spain, where they competed in the 5 Nations Tournament Valencia 2023 against Belgium, Germany, Ireland, and hosts Spain, the Indian squad is now gearing up for the next challenges on the horizon. The upcoming coaching camp provides a platform for the players to regroup, analyze their performances, and strategize for the critical tournaments looming in the near future.
The FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024, scheduled from 13th to 19th January, will see India in Pool B, facing off against New Zealand, Italy, and the United States. The team aims to secure its spot in the all-important Paris 2024 Olympics. The squad’s performance in the recent Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023, where they emerged as champions, serves as a morale booster as they head into this crucial phase of their journey.
About Indian Women’s Hockey Team:
The core group comprises a blend of experienced players and promising talents, with goalkeepers Savita, Rajani Etimarpu, Bichu Devi Kharibam, and Bansari Solanki providing a solid foundation. The defensive lineup includes players like Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Jyoti Chhatri, and Mahima Chaudhary.
In the midfield, players like Nisha, Salima Tete, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur, Monika, Mariana Kujur, Sonika, Neha, Baljeet Kaur, Reena Khokhar, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, and Ajmina Kujur are set to play a crucial role. The forwards line-up boasts the presence of Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur, Vandana Katariya, Sharmila Devi, Deepika, Sangita Kumari, Mumtaz Khan, Sunelita Toppo, and Beauty Dungdung, bringing a combination of speed and goal-scoring prowess.
The coaching camp will be under the guidance of Chief Coach Janneke Schopman, who played a pivotal role in the team’s success in the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023. With a focus on drawing out the best performances from her players, Schopman aims to create a cohesive and formidable unit ready to take on the challenges at the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024 and the FIH Hockey5s Women’s World Cup 2024 in Muscat, Oman, starting on 24th January.
As the Indian Women’s Hockey Team sets its sights on qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the coaching camp becomes a pivotal phase in their journey, providing the necessary groundwork for success on the international stage.
