NEW DELHI: Indian women’s hockey team will face world No.5 Germany in the FIH Women’s Hockey Pro League matches at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, tomorrow.
The team will be led by goalkeeper Savita and vice-captained by Deep Grace Ekka.
The Indian team will see two new faces in the promising young defender Akshata Abaso Dhekale from Maharashtra and striker Deepika Jr of Haryana; both picked in the senior core group following impressive performances in the Hockey India National Championship.
The squad also includes goalie Bichu Devi Kharibam and midfielder Sonika, who returns to the team after nearly two years. The forwardline will see the likes of Rajwinder Kaur, Sharmila Devi and Navneet Kaur.
“It’s an exciting time for us playing yet again two back-to-back Pro League games at home against an esteemed opponent. Germany is a very consistent team with probably the best basic skills around the world. They defend very well and are quick to attack. I feel we have selected a nice mix of young talent and experience, and we’re looking to build on our performance vs Spain,” said India’s chief coach Janneke Schopman.
Germany will play its first FIH Pro League game since October 2021.
