Three players from Odisha have been included in a 26-member Indian Womens Hockey Team for the upcoming tour of Australia, scheduled to take place from 26 April to 4 May 2025 at the Perth Hockey Stadium in Australia. The three Odisha players are: Sunelita Toppo, Ajmina Kujur and Sujata Kujur.
Ajmina and Sujata will be eager to make their senior India debut, along with three others (Jyoti Singh, Pooja Yadav and Mahima Tete). Indian team will be led by midfielder Salima Tete with forward Navneet Kaur as the vice-captain.
Additionally, Bansari Solanki (goalkeeper), Anjana Dundung and Lalthantluangi (both defenders), Sakshi Shukla and Khaidem Shileima Chanu (both midfielders), along with Dipi Monika Toppo and Sonam (both forwards), have been named as standby players. Dipi Monika Toppo is also from Odisha.
According to an announcement made by Hockey India, the five-match series will see India take on Australia-A in the first two games, followed by three matches against the senior Australian team. The tour will be a crucial preparatory assignment ahead of the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25, set to be held in June.
INDIAN WOMEN TEAM: Goalkeepers: Savita Punia, Bichu Devi Kharibam. Defenders: Jyoti Singh, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Sujata Kujur, Suman Devi Thoudam, Jyoti, Ajmina Kujur, Sakshi Rana. Mid-fielders: Salima Tete, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Sharmila Devi, Manisha Chauhan, Sunelita Toppo, Mahima Tete, Pooja Yadav, Lalremsiami. Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Mumtaz Khan, Baljeet Kaur, Deepika Soreng, Beauty Dungdung.
Coaches & Support Staff: Harendra Singh (Chief Coach), Dave Smolenaars (Analytical Coach), Edison Elias (Scientific Advisor), Rakhi Vinay Darne (Head Physiotherapist), Priya Sirohi (Assistant Physiotherapist), Amuthaprakash Perumal (Video Analyst), Radhika Bhikan Chaudhary and Pushavati F (both Masseuse).
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PHOTO: Indian Senior Women Hockey Team pose for the tour of Australia.