In a recent development from the hockey circuit, a core group of 34 players will engage in a senior women's hockey coaching camp commencing from Wednesday, intensifying their preparations for the upcoming Olympic Qualifiers in Ranchi and the Hockey5s World Cup.

Having recently returned from the 5 Nations Tournament in Spain, where they faced tough opponents like Belgium, Germany, Ireland, and the hosts, the Indian players will now shift their focus to the crucial training camp.

Scheduled to take place in Ranchi from January 13-19, the Olympic Qualifiers will see India competing in Pool B alongside New Zealand, Italy, and the United States of America. Germany, Japan, Chile, and the Czech Republic constitute Pool A.

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Drawing inspiration from their commanding performance in the Jharkhand Women's Asian Champions Trophy in Ranchi, Team India will aim to maintain their momentum on familiar turf.

“The 5 Nations Tournament served as a good litmus test ahead of the Olympic Qualifiers. We identified areas for improvement, and we will use this festive period to dot all the i's and cross the t's. The squad is eager to return to Ranchi after their triumph in the Asian Champions Trophy," PTI quoted Indian women’s coach Janneke Schopman as saying.

Following the Olympic Qualifiers, Team India is set to travel to Muscat, Oman, where they will participate in the Hockey5s World Cup scheduled from January 24-27.

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Sixteen women's teams from across the globe will compete for the title in this fast-paced variant of hockey, played with 5 athletes per team. Known for its non-stop action, Hockey5s features rebound boards that keep the ball in play about 90% of the time.

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India squad:

 

Goalkeepers: Savita, Rajani Etimarpu, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Bansari Solanki.
Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Jyoti Chhatri, Mahima Chaudhary.

Midfielders: Nisha, Salima Tete, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur, Monika, Mariana Kujur, Sonika, Neha, Baljeet Kaur, Reena Khokhar, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Ajmina Kujur.

Forwards: Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur, Vandana Katariya, Sharmila Devi, Deepika, Sangita Kumari, Mumtaz Khan, Sunelita Toppo, Beauty Dungdung.

 

(With Inputs From PTI)


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