Hockey India revealed the restructured 18-member Indian Women’s Hockey Team, set to compete in the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024. The tournament will take place from 11th to 20th November at the newly-built Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar. As the defending champions, India has high hopes, having won the title last year in Ranchi.
The Indian team will face strong opponents from five other nations, including reigning Olympic silver medalists China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand, all vying for continental glory. The team will be led by captain Salima Tete, with Navneet Kaur serving as her deputy. Under their guidance, India will be aiming to defend its title. India will kick off its campaign against Malaysia on 11th November.
Surprisingly, the team’s senior player, Vandana Kataria, is missing from the list. She will not be taking part in the tournament. She was part of the 2014 Asian Games bronze medal-winning Indian side and also represented the country in the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Strong defence and midfield
Goalkeeping duties will be shared between the experienced Savita and rising star Bichu Devi Kharibam. The defense will be well-supported by a solid lineup featuring Udita, Jyoti, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, and Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke. In midfield, captain Salima Tete will have support from Neha, Sharmila Devi, Manisha Chauhan, Sunelita Toppo, and Lalremsiami, all known for their dynamic gameplay.
Powerful forward lineup
The forward line promises to be strong, with Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Preeti Dubey, and Beauty Dungdung leading the attack. Notably, Sushila and Beauty Dungdung are returning to the team after completing their rehabilitation.
India squad for Asian Women’s Champions Trophy 2024
Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Udita, Jyoti, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Ishika Chaudhary
Midfielders: Neha, Salima Tete, Sharmila Devi, Manisha Chauhan, Sunelita Toppo, Lalremsiami
Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Preeti Dubey, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Beauty Dungdung
Women’s Asian Champions Trophy winners
The inaugural Asian Champions Trophy for women took place in 2010 in Busan. India was the first to win the men’s Asian Champions Trophy, defeating Pakistan in a thrilling final that went to a penalty shootout, led by the legendary Rajpal Singh. India holds the record for the most titles in the men’s Asian Champions Trophy, having won four times. Interestingly, in 2018, India and Pakistan shared the trophy after the final was cancelled due to continuous rain.
| Year | Winner | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | India | Pakistan |
| 2012 | Pakistan | India |
| 2013 | Pakistan | Japan |
| 2016 | India | Pakistan |
| 2018 | India and Pakistan (joint winners) | – |
| 2021 | South Korea | Japan |
| 2023 | India | Malaysia |
| 2024 | India | China |
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