Hockey India named a 24-member junior women’s squad for the upcoming exposure tour of the United Kingdom, scheduled from July 5 to 14.
The team, led by captain Khaidem Shileima Chanu, will play seven matches across Scotland and England as part of preparations for the Junior Asia Cup.
The squad includes goalkeepers Nidhi and Engil Harsha Rani Minz. Defenders Pooja Sahoo, Supriya, Madhu, F. Lalbi Aksiami, Lalneihpuii, and Parwati Topno form the backline. The midfield features captain Chanu, Tanuja Toppo, Supriya Kujur, Pooja Malik, Binima Dhan, Geeta Yadav, Roshni Aind, and Tanushree Dinesh Kadu. Forwards Sukhveer Kaur, Shashi Khasa, Lalrinpuii, Nisha Minj, Purnima Yadav, Kajal, Sanika Chandrakant Mane, and Krishna Sharma complete the lineup.
The nine-day tour begins with two matches against Scotland’s senior women’s team at the University of Edinburgh, followed by games against junior sides from the United States, England, and Belgium at the Lilleshall National Sports Centre.
Coach Tim White emphasised the importance of the tour, noting that many players will face foreign opposition for the first time. He said the matches will help fine-tune strategies and confirm strengths ahead of the Junior Asia Cup. “We expect to be challenged, but every game will be a learning opportunity,” White stated.
