NEW DELHI: Hockey India has announced a 40-member core group for the ongoing Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp at SAI, Bengaluru. The camp began on 23 March with 65 probables. After two weeks of evaluation, the squad has been trimmed to 40 based on performances.
Selection Process & New Additions
From the existing core group, 28 players have retained their places. Meanwhile, 12 new players have earned their spots due to outstanding performances in the 15th Senior Women’s National Championship and the national training camp.
The goalkeeping unit features experienced names—Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Bansari Solanki, and Madhuri Kindo. A notable addition is Samiksha Saxena from Assam Hockey, who impressed in recent performances.
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In defense, the core group retains Mahima Chaudhary, Nikki Pradhan, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Chhatri, Jyoti, and Akshata Abaso Dhekale. Strengthening the defensive lineup are newcomers Anjna Dungdung from Hockey Bengal and Suman Devi Thoudam from Manipur Hockey.
The midfield unit sees the continuation of key players like Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Salima Tete, Manisha Chauhan, Ajmina Kujur, Sunelita Toppo, Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, and Baljeet Kaur. Additionally, Sujata Kujur, Mahima Tete, Albela Rani Toppo, and Pooja Yadav have earned their place in the core group after delivering remarkable performances.
Among the forwards, Deepika Soreng, Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Beauty Dungdung, and Mumtaz Khan have maintained their spots. Five new attacking players—Dipimonika Toppo from Odisha, Hritika Singh from Hockey Madhya Pradesh, Annu and Chandana Jagadish from Hockey Karnataka, and Kajal Sadashiv Atpadkar from Hockey Maharashtra—have been included, adding fresh energy to the attack.
Coach Harendra Singh’s Take
Indian Women’s Hockey Team Chief Coach Harendra Singh shared his thoughts on the selection.
“We have had intense training sessions and rigorous testing. The selectors have done a commendable job in identifying the best 40 players available. Watching the National Championships helped us spot some emerging talent. I am confident that these players will serve the country well in the long run. I look forward to seeing how they perform in the camp and take a big step toward their future.”
40-Member Core Group
GOALKEEPERS: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Bansari Solanki, Madhuri Kindo, Samiksha Saxena.
DEFENDERS: Mahima Chaudhary, Nikki Pradhan, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Chhatri, Jyoti, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Anjna Dungdung, Suman Devi Thoudam.
MIDFIELDERS: Sujata Kujur, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Salima Tete, Manisha Chauhan, Ajmina Kujur, Sunelita Toppo, Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, Baljeet Kaur, Mahima Tete, Albela Rani Toppo, Pooja Yadav.
FORWARDS: Dipimonika Toppo, Hritika Singh, Deepika Soreng, Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Beauty Dungdung, Mumtaz Khan, Annu, Chandana Jagadish, Kajal Sadashiv Atpadkar.
With Hockey India finalizing the 40-member core group, the focus now shifts to intense training. The selected players have an opportunity to sharpen their skills, prove their worth, and secure a spot in the final squad for upcoming international events. The journey ahead is challenging, but this group is ready to take the next step in their careers and bring glory to Indian women’s hockey.
