Hockey India on Friday named an unchanged 20-member Indian women’s squad for next month’s FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands, with the same group also set to represent the country at the Asian Games in September-October.The side will be captained by Salima Tete, while chief coach Sjoerd Marijne said the selected group offers the right balance ahead of the two major tournaments. The World Cup will be held from August 15 to 30.The squad, currently training at the national camp in Bengaluru, combines experienced players with youngsters who have impressed in recent international competitions.India head into the World Cup after winning the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand last month without losing a match. The title also secured the team’s return to the top-tier FIH Pro League.Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam have been named as the two goalkeepers.The defensive unit includes Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti and Shilpi Dabas.Captain Salima Tete will lead the midfield alongside Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Neha and Deepika Soreng.The forward line features Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur and Beauty Dungdung.“We have chosen a well-balanced group of players who are ready for the big challenges we will face this summer. The team has worked hard in the lead-up to the tournament and we are confident in this group’s abilities,” Marijne said in a press release issued by Hockey India.India have been placed in Pool D alongside China, England and South Africa.The team will play all its group-stage matches at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands. India begin their campaign against China on August 16 before facing South Africa on August 18 and England on August 20.“We look forward to competing against the best teams in the world and showcasing our hockey on the biggest stage,” Marijne added.The Asian Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4.India squad:Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi KharibamDefenders: Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi DabasMidfielders: Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (captain), Neha, Deepika SorengForwards: Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, Beauty Dungdung.
