Ace goalkeeper Savita Punia was named as the Captain for the 20-member women’s team for the Australia tour for a 3-match series from 18th May. The visitors will also play 2 games against Australia ‘A’. The tour will reportedly be a part of the preparations ahead of the Guangzhou Asian Games 2023.
The Indian team goalkeeper was recently honoured with Balbir Singh Sr. Hockey India Player of the Year (2022). The team’s forward line will be headed by Bichu Devi Karibam will be the second goalkeeper along with defenders Deep Grace Ikka, Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, Udita, Gurjit Kaur.
(Read Also: Indian Women’s Hockey Team to Tour Australia in the upcoming month)
The team has Nisha, Navjot Kaur, Monika, Salima Tete, Neha, Navneet Kaur, Sonika, Jyoti, and Baljeet Kaur as mid-fielders. The role of the team strikers will be taken up by the highly experienced Vandana Kataria who will be joined by Lalremsiami, Sangita Kumari and Sharmila Devi.
Speaking on the selections Chief Coach Janneke Scopman said, “We are excited to have international exposure again after 2 intense training blocks. Australia is a formidable opponent that loves to play attacking hockey with speed. It will be a great test for us, and we will endeavour to match their speed on offence while maintaining our defensive ground.”
The matches will be held on 18, 20 & 21st May 2023 & Australia A on 25th & 27th May. The matches will be hosted by the Mate Stadium, Adelaide.
