The Softball Association of India (SBAI) has announced a 16-member Indian women’s softball team for the upcoming Asian Games 2023. This will mark the women’s team’s debut at the continental event, which starts on September 23. A 16-member squad has been selected after a two-week coaching camp and trials in Delhi in June and July.
Considering the Indian women’s softball team’s regular participation in the Asian championships, Softball Asia granted a wild card entry to India in February this year.
“The participation of the Indian women’s softball team in the Asian Games signifies the opportunity for our players to shine and prove their mettle against the best teams in the continent,” SBAI president Neetal Narang said.
“Moreover, this milestone also holds the promise of inspiring future generations of young athletes, particularly girls, to take up softball as a sport of choice,” she added.
Reigning national champions Maharashtra contributed the maximum number of players (5) in the Indian team.
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Kerala and Punjab contributed three and two girls, respectively, while there is a player each from Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh.
Softball was a medal sport at the Tokyo Olympics and it will also feature at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
“Performing at the Asian Games is our first step and comes with a huge responsibility as we aspire to be a strong team ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“We are taking Hangzhou as a strong platform towards our goal of qualifying for the 2028 Olympics,” Narang added.
Squad
Aishwarya Ramesh Puri, Aishwarya Sunil Bodke, Monali Mansing Natu, Swapnali C. Waydnade, Saee Anil Joshi, Anjali Pallikkara, Stephy Saji, Rinta Cheriyan, Mamatha Guguloth, Ganga Sona, Mamta Minhas, Sandeep Kaur, Kumari Manisha, Isha, Swetasini Sabar, Nitya Malvi, Priyanka Baghel (standby).
Reserves: Manisha Kumari, Priti Verma, Chitra.
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