The FIH Women’s Nations Cup, which will be hosted for the first time in December of this year, will continue to be managed by veteran India goalkeeper Savita Punia, with Deep Grace Ekka serving as Punia’s assistant.
Savita Punia Will Captain India at the FIH Women’s Nations Cup in Spain
A 20-person team was announced by Hockey India (HI) on Wednesday for the competition, which will take place in Valencia, Spain from December 10 to 17. The team includes veteran midfielder Navjot Kaur, who rejoins the national team after missing the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham due to Covid-19.
The Nations Cup is a significant event on the international calendar since it introduces a promotion-relegation system. In which,the winners advance to the Women’s Pro League’s 2023–2024 season.
South Africa, Canada, Japan, and India are all placed together in Pool B. Ireland, Italy, Korea, and Spain—all of whom are a part of Pool A—are the other competing teams.
The team comprises defenders Deep Grace, Gurjit Kaur, and Nikki Pradhan, as well as young forward Beauty Dungdung. She will be making her international debut during the competition.
The women’s squad, which made its debut in the 2021–22 Pro League season, recently won bronze at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. India finished third in the Pro League, only behind Argentina and the Netherlands, after a strong first campaign. While in order to play in the FIH Pro League for the second time in 2023–2024, the squad will aim to win the FIH Women’s Nations Cup.
The entire playing group at this camp did a fantastic job, and I’m really pleased with their performance. The competition in the group is at an all-time high as our level rises. Although choosing 20 players was challenging, head coach Janneke Schopman of the women’s team believes this squad will have an excellent chance to perform well. Also they will demonstrate the progress they have made.
Goalkeepers Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam are on the team. Defenders Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, and Ishika Chaudhary are on the defence. Midfielders Nisha, Salima Tete, Sushila Chanu, Pukhrambam, Monika, Neha, Sonika, Jyoti, and Navjot Kaur are on the offensive.