The Indian women's hockey team will look to begin its preparations for the upcoming FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup on a strong note when it takes on Australia women's national field hockey team in a four-match series starting on Tuesday.
Led by captain Salima Tete, the Indian side will aim to gather momentum ahead of the Nations Cup, scheduled to be held in Auckland from June 15 to 21.
India heads into the tour with confidence after an impressive outing in Argentina earlier this year, where the team recovered from two initial defeats to level the four-match series 2-2 against the world No. 2 side.
The squad recently completed an intensive national camp at the Sports Authority of India centre in Bengaluru, where players focused on tactical training, structural play, penalty-corner routines and fitness under chief coach Sjoerd Marijne.
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Captain Salima expressed optimism ahead of the challenging Australia tour. “The entire team is excited about this series. Playing Australia at their home venue is always difficult, but that’s exactly the kind of challenge we need before the Nations Cup. Every match in Perth will be important for our preparation,” she said.
“We want to enter the Nations Cup in Auckland with confidence and momentum. Australia will test us in every aspect, and we hope to emerge as a stronger side from this experience.” The 22-member Indian squad blends experienced campaigners with emerging talents such as Sonam, Hina Bano and Lalthantluangi, all eager to make an impact during the series.
Currently ranked ninth in the world, India will be aiming to challenge eighth-ranked Australia in what promises to be a competitive contest.
Schedule (all times IST):
India vs Australia, Match 1 – May 26 (5:00 PM)
India vs Australia, Match 2 – May 27 (5:00 PM)
India vs Australia, Match 3 – May 29 (11:00 AM)
India vs Australia, Match 4 – May 30 (11:00 AM)
Indian squad:
Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi Dabas
Midfielders: Salima Tete, Lalremsiami, Neha, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Deepika Soreng, Sonam
Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Baljeet Kaur, Deepika, Annu, Ishika, Hina Bano, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal.
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