Hockey India announces 24-member squad for European leg of FIH Pro League
FIH Pro League: Hockey India has announced a 24-member squad for the European leg of the FIH Pro League, which will be held in London, Antwerp and Berlin from June 14 to 29.
The Indian women's hockey squad will represent the country in the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25. An Indian women's hockey squad of 24 players has been named to represent the country in the league. The league is scheduled to take place in London, Antwerp and Berlin from June 14 to June 29. India will play twice against the four teams - Australia, Argentina, Belgium and China and will begin their campaign with a match against Australia on June 14.
Midfielder Salima Tete will captain the side and the experienced midfielder Navneet Kaur will serve as the vice-captain. The keepers are Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam. Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam and Jyoti are among the defenders and Suman Devi Thodam and Jyoti Singh are also part of it. Ishika Choudh
The midfield has Vaishnavi Vithal Phalke, Sujata Kujur, Manisha Chauhan and Neha, along with offensive midfielders Salima Tete, Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, Sunelita Toppo and Mahima Tete. The forward line includes Deepika, Navneet Kaur, Deepika Soreng, Baljit Kaur, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Beauty Dungdung and Sakshi Rana. The standby list includes goalkeeper Bansari Solanki and defender Azmina Kujur.
The Indian hockey team had a good performance in the Bhubaneswar leg of the league. The team registered two wins and two draws, earning nine points and finishing sixth. They started strongly with a 3-2 win and a draw against England, but then suffered three consecutive defeats – two to Spain and one to Germany. A 1-0 comeback win against Germany helped the team regain momentum.
Speaking on the team selection, Indian women's hockey team chief coach Harendra Singh said, "We have picked a balanced squad that has a mix of experience and young talent. The European stage is a crucial phase of the Pro League, and we are looking forward to high-intensity matches against some of the best teams in the world. Each player selected has shown a lot of commitment and readiness during our recent camps and the Australia tour."
He added, "Also, the Pro League matches in Bhubaneswar have shown us where we need to improve. We have taken those lessons seriously and our group is eager to raise our performance level. The European stage will be a big test of our mental toughness and strategy. With every match, we will move forward as a team.
