Hockey India revealed the 24-member junior women’s team for its exposure trip to the UK from July 5–14 on Monday. As part of its preparations for forthcoming international competitions, including the Junior Asia Cup, the team will play seven games throughout Scotland and England under its new coach Tim White.
With Nidhi and Engil Harsha Rani Minz as the two goalkeepers, captain Khaidem Shileima Chanu will lead the youthful group. Parwati Topno, Lalneihpuii, F. Lalbi Aksiami, Madhu, Supriya, and Pooja Sahoo make up the defensive squad.
Captain Chanu, Pooja Malik, Supriya Kujur, Geeta Yadav, Binima Dhan, Roshni Aind, Tanushree Dinesh Kadu, and Tanuja Toppo make up the midfield.
Sukhveer Kaur, Shashi Khasa, Lalrinpuii, Nisha Minj, Purnima Yadav, Kajal, Sanika Chandrakant Mane, and Krishna Sharma are part of the front line.
The nine-day exposure tour will begin with two matches versus the Scotland Senior Women’s Team at the University of Edinburgh, then proceed to games against fellow junior teams from the United States, England, and Belgium at the Lilleshall National Sports Centre.
To get ready for the tournaments ahead, coach White will try to hone combinations and methods during this intense experience.
“The UK trip is a crucial component of our junior squad’s growth. White stated, “We have selected an exciting young group, many of whom have not had exposure to foreign teams, so it will be a wonderful learning opportunity for individuals and for the group as a team,” in reference to the squad and the tour’s importance.
Since we will be competing against very competitive opponents, we anticipate being challenged. However, we’ll approach each game as a chance to learn while also putting the playing style we’ve been practicing for the previous ten weeks into action.
This trip will undoubtedly be excellent preparation for the forthcoming Asia Cup, according to the coach, since we will use it to confirm our strengths as a team and the important areas we need to improve.
Indian Junior Women’s Team for UK Tour:
Goalkeepers: Nidhi, Engil Harsha Rani Minz
Defenders: Pooja Sahoo, Supriya, Madhu, F. Lalbi Aksiami, Lalneihpuii, Parwati Topno
Midfielders: Khaidem Shileima Chanu (c), Tanuja Toppo, Supriya Kujur, Pooja Malik, Binima Dhan, Geeta Yadav, Roshni Aind, Tanushree Dinesh Kadu
Forwards: Sukhveer Kaur, Shashi Khasa, Lalrinpuii, Nisha Minj, Purnima Yadav, Kajal, Sanika Chandrakant Mane, Krishna Sharma.