New Delhi
Sweety Kujur will captain the 18-member Indian women’s U-18 hockey team at the upcoming Asia Cup to be played in Kakamigahara, Japan, from May 29 to June 6.
The forward unit of the Indian side will be led by Kujur and includes Nousheen Naz, Priyanka Minz, Sandeepa Kumari and Nancy Saroha.
The midfield department features Shruti Kumari, Diya, Sneha Davde, Rashmeen Kaur, Nammi Geetashree and Pushpa Manjhi.
Defensive responsibilities will be handled by Sugan Sanga, Nilam Topno, Rubina Baxla, Kiran Ekka and Sulochani, while Mahak Parihar and Khili Kumari have been selected as goalkeepers.
The squad has been training at a national coaching camp in Bhopal under the guidance of former India captain Rani Rampal, with emphasis on tactical discipline, fitness and team coordination.
“This tournament offers an excellent opportunity for these young players to experience international competition and learn how to handle pressure situations,” Rani said in a release issued by Hockey India.
“We have worked extensively on fitness, tactical awareness and team combinations during the training camp. The players are eager to represent the country and we want to play positive, fearless hockey,” she added.
As part of its preparations, the Indian team recently played a four-match series against Australia in Bhopal and finished the campaign with a morale-boosting victory.
India has been placed in Pool A alongside Korea, Malaysia and Singapore. The team will begin its campaign against Malaysia on May 30 before facing Korea the following day. Their final league match will be against Singapore on June 2.
Pool B comprises China, Japan, Chinese Taipei and Bangladesh.
The top two teams from each pool will qualify for the semi-finals on June 5, while the final is scheduled for June 6.
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India’s Fixtures (IST):
