India on Wednesday named a 20-member team for the women’s FIH Nations Cup hockey tournament to be played in Valencia, Spain from December 11 to 17 with midfielder Navjot Kaur making a return after missing out on the Commonwealth Games earlier this year. Goalkeeper Savita Punia will continue to lead the team while veteran defender Deep Grace Ekka will be her deputy. The FIH Women’s Nations Cup is an important fixture in the international calendar as the champions of this tournament will be promoted to the FIH Women’s Pro League 2023-2024 season.
India is grouped in Pool B along with Chile, Japan, and South Africa while Pool A consists of Ireland, Italy, Korea, and Spain.
India will open their campaign against Chile on the opening day of the tournament.
Young forward Beauty Dungdung is all set to make her international debut at the tournament while the experienced Navjot Kaur returns to the squad after missing the Birmingham Commonwealth Games due to COVID-19 infection.
The team also includes reserve goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam, while drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, and Ishika Chaudhary will form the defensive line along with Ekka.
The midfield will feature Nisha, Salima Tete, Sushila Chanu Kharibam, Monika, Neha, Sonika, Jyoti, and Navjot Kaur, while the forward line will have Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, and Dungdung.
Read more: https://sports.ndtv.com/hockey/savita-punia-to-lead-india-womens-hockey-team-in-fih-nations-cup-in-december-navjot-kaur-makes-comeback-3504095
