Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 24: Hockey India on Wednesday announced a 24-member Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team for an exposure tour of the United Kingdom from July 5 to 14 as part of preparations for upcoming international tournaments, including the Junior Asia Cup.

The tour will be the first assignment under newly-appointed coach Tim White, with the team scheduled to play seven matches across Scotland and England.

Khaidem Shileima Chanu will lead the side, while Nidhi and Engil Harsha Rani Minz have been named as goalkeepers.

The defensive unit comprises Pooja Sahoo, Supriya, Madhu, F. Lalbi Aksiami, Lalneihpuii and Parwati Topno.

The midfield department includes captain Chanu along with Tanuja Toppo, Supriya Kujur, Pooja Malik, Binima Dhan, Geeta Yadav, Roshni Aind and Tanushree Dinesh Kadu.

The forward line features Sukhveer Kaur, Shashi Khasa, Lalrinpuii, Nisha Minj, Purnima Yadav, Kajal, Sanika Chandrakant Mane and Krishna Sharma.

The nine-day tour will begin with two matches against the Scotland Senior Women’s Team at the University of Edinburgh. The Indian side will then face junior teams from the United States, England and Belgium at the Lilleshall National Sports Centre.

Speaking about the tour, coach Tim White said it would provide valuable international exposure for the young squad, many of whom will be facing foreign opposition for the first time.

“The tour to the UK is an important part of the development process for our junior squad. We have selected an exciting young group, and it will be a great learning opportunity for both the players and the team,” White said.

He added that the team would use the tour to test combinations, implement strategies developed over the last 10 weeks and identify areas for improvement ahead of the Junior Asia Cup.

White expressed confidence that the competitive matches against strong opposition would help the squad strengthen its preparations for future international challenges.