Sports

Indian team announced for Asian Women's Champions Trophy, injured Sushila Chanu rested

Harshad Dewangan 12 October 2023

New Delhi: Midfielder Sushila Chanu has not been included in the 20-member Indian women's hockey team for the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) to be held in Ranchi from October 27 to November 5 due to injury. Sushila, who led India at the Rio Olympics, was part of the Indian team that won the bronze medal at the recent Hangzhou Asian Games. Hockey India sources said that Sushila will soon meet the doctor to find out the status of her injury. Sources said, “Sushila has been rested because she is injured. They need to see a doctor. Sushila is an important member of the team and it is important for her to be fit before the upcoming tournaments. Baljeet Kaur has been included in the team in place of Sushila. Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, who was included in the Asian Games team, has been kept as a backup option along with Sharmila Devi. Apart from Sushila, no major changes have been made in the team led by goalkeeper Savita. Defender Deep Grace Ekka will remain the vice-captain of the team as before. Apart from India, Japan, China, Korea, Malaysia and Thailand are the other participating countries in the Asian Champions Trophy. India will start its campaign against Thailand on October 27. After this it will play matches against Malaysia (28 October), China (30 October), Japan (31 October) and Korea (2 November). India head coach Yanek Schopman said, “It is important to maintain the momentum and continue to improve as a team. We performed well in the Asian Games and won the bronze medal and the upcoming tournament will give us another opportunity to improve our position against our Asian rivals.”

The Indian women's hockey team for the Asian Champions Trophy is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Savita (Captain), Bichu Devi Kharibam Defenders: Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Deep Grace Ekka (Vice-Captain) Midfielders: Nisha, Salima Tete, Neha, Navneet Kaur, Sonika, Monica, Jyoti, Baljeet Kaur Forwards: Lalremsiami, Sangeeta Kumari, Deepika, Vandana Kataria Backup players: Sharmila Devi, Vaishnavi Vittal Phalke.