Mid-fielder Salima Tete has replaced goalkeeper Savita Punia as the captain of the Indian women's hockey team ahead of the Belgium and England legs of the FIH Pro League starting later this month. In a change of guard, Navneet Kaur has been named Salima's deputy for the tour as she replaces Vandana Katariya.
Hockey India (HI) have announced a 24-member squad for the Belgium and England tour and Salima has her task cut out.
Salima, who belongs to the Simdega district in Jharkhand, is aware that it is a big responsibility but is confident of the team's chances as the squad has a good blend of youth and experience.
"I am happy that I have been appointed to lead the team. It is a big responsibility and I am looking forward to this new role. We have a strong squad and it's a mix of experienced and young players," Salima was quoted as saying in a Hockey India press release.
"In the upcoming Belgium and England legs of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023-2024, we look to put our strong foot forward. We have worked on areas where we needed to improve," she said.
Navneet also expressed elation after being announced as Salima's deputy and is looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead in the form of the Europe leg of the FIH Pro League.
"It feels surreal to be named as the vice-captain. I am quite excited to get on with this team in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023-24, where we will play quality teams. We have a good team and we are confident that we will do well in the Europe leg of the Pro League. I am also looking to work on my game and improve," she said.
Indian women's hockey squad:
Goalkeepers: Savita Punia, Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Monika, Jyoti Chhatri, Mahima Chaudhary.
Midfielders: Salima Tete (C), Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Navneet Kaur (VC), Neha, Jyoti, Baljeet Kaur, Manisha Chauhan, Lalremsiami.
Forwards: Mumtaz Khan, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Sharmila Devi, Preeti Dubey, Vandana Katariya, Sunelita Toppo, Deepika Soreng.
