Savita to lead Hockey India women's team for Australia tour

On 8th May, a 20-member women's national team was announced for the Australian tour and is slated to play a three-match series in Adelaide from May 18. Hockey India women will also play two games against Australia 'A'.  This tour can be considered as the team's preparation for the Hangzhou Asian Games. Mark your calendars if you are a hockey sports enthusiast. Hockey India women are set to face Australia on 18, 20 and 21 May and Australia 'A' on 25 and 27 May. All five games will be hosted at Mate Stadium, Adelaide.

Chief coach Janneke Scopman said, ‘We are excited to have international exposure again after two intense training blocks. Australia is a formidable opponent that loves to play hockey with speed. It will be a great test for us, and we will endeavour to match their speed on offence while maintaining our defensive ground.’

Star goalkeeper Savita Punia will be the captain of this team and the vice-captain is Deep Grace Ekka. The second goalkeeper in the squad is Bichu Devi Kharibam along with defenders Udita & Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary and Deep Grace Ekka. Striker Vandana Katariya will be on the frontline along with Sharmila Devi, Sangita Kumari, and Lalremsiami. Navneet Kaur, Baljeet Kaur, Sonika, Jyoti, Monika, Neha, Salima Tete, Nisha, and Navjot Kaur form the midfielders line.

Recently, Savita Punia was conferred with the Balbir Singh Sr Hockey India Player of the Year (2022) Award.