FIH Pro League: India announces 22-member women's hockey team for Germany matches

Hockey India, on Wednesday, named a 22-member Indian women's hockey squad for the upcoming FIH Women's Hockey Pro League matches against World No.5 Germany between March 12-13 at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

The team will be led by goalkeeper Savita and vice-captained by Deep Grace Ekka. The Indian team will see two new faces in the promising young defender Akshata Abaso Dhekale from Maharashtra and striker Deepika Jr of Haryana; both picked in the senior core group following impressive performances in the Hockey India National Championship. 

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The squad also includes goalie Bichu Devi Kharibam and midfielder Sonika, who returns to the team after nearly two years. The forwardline will see the likes of Rajwinder Kaur, Sharmila Devi and Navneet Kaur.

Talking about the team selection, Janneke Schopman, the chief coach said, "It’s an exciting time for us playing yet again two back-to-back Pro League games at home against an esteemed opponent. Germany is a very consistent team with probably the best basic skills around the world. They defend very well and are quick to attack. I feel we have selected a nice mix of young talent and experience, and we’re looking to build on our performance vs Spain."

Germany will play its first FIH Pro League game since October 2021.

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Indian Women's Full Team: 

Goalkeepers

1. Savita (Captain)

2. Bichu Devi Kharibam 

Defenders

3. Deep Grace Ekka (Vice Captain)

4. Gurjit Kaur  

5. Nikki Pradhan 

6. Udita 

7. Akshata Abaso Dhekale

Midfielders

8. Nisha  

9. Salima Tete 

10. Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam 

11. Jyoti 

12. Monika 

13. Neha 

14. Navjot Kaur 

15. Sonika 

Forwards 

16. Rajwinder Kaur

17. Sharmila Devi  

18. Navneet Kaur 

19. Lalremsiami 

20. Sangita Kumari 

21. Mariana Kujur 

22.Deepika 

Standbys 

1.Rajani Etimarpu

2.Ishika Chaudhary 

3.Namita Toppo

Matches will be telecast live on Star Sports Select 2, Star Sports Select 2 HD, and Hotstar.