New Delhi: Hockey India on Saturday named a 24-member Indian Women's Hockey Team for the FIH Hockey Pro League matches that will be played in Belgium and the Netherlands in June ahead of the much-anticipated FIH Hockey Women's World Cup. India is scheduled to play hosts Belgium on June 11-12 followed by matches against Argentina on June 18-19 and the United States on June 21-22 2022.
The team will be led by Savita and the vice-captain will be Deep Grace Ekka. While the team list includes Junior World Cup stars Bichu Devi Kharibam, Ishika Chaudhary, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Baljeet Kaur, Sangita Kumari and Deepika, the league is also likely to witness experienced striker Rani's return to action after she made her last appearance at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. She was in rehab to recover from a prolonged hamstring injury. The Indian Team features goalkeepers Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam, defenders Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Akshata Abaso Dhekale. The midfield will see Nisha, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Monika, Neha, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur, Sonika, Salima Tete and Baljeet Kaur.