Indian women’s hockey team were dealt a major blow to their Asia Cup hopes main forward and drag-flicker Deepika has not travelled with the national team to China for the women’s continental championship due to a hamstring injury sustained during a training session, Hockey India announced on Saturday.
Deepika, who will be in rehab for the next few weeks, has been replaced by Sakshi in the Indian squad for the tournament which will be held from September 5 to 14 in Hangzhou. Despite the team’s downturn of fortunes since the Paris Olympic qualifiers in Ranchi earlier last year, Deepika has been one of the most improved Indian players in recent times. One of the rarer commodities in the world of women’s hockey – a forward who also doubles-up as the main drag flicker for the side – Deepika was the player of the tournament at the Asian Champions Trophy last year in Rajgir as Harendra Singh earmarked her as the main attacking player around which the team revolved.
The Indian team has been struggling this year already, having been relegated from the FIH Pro League where they finished last after a wretched European leg. But even in those matches, Deepika’s improvements in drag flicking was visible as Harendra had arranged for a pre-event camp with Dutch legend Taeke Taekema. The onus on dragflicks in the Asia Cup will now likely fall on Manisha Chauhan.
The tournament in Hangzhou is a crucial one this year as it acts as a World Cup. The winner will qualify for next year’s marquee event to be held in Belgium and Netherlands.
India has been drawn in Pool B, where they will face Japan, Thailand, and Singapore. The team will open their campaign against Thailand on 5th September, followed by a clash with Japan on 6th September. India will play their final pool-stage match against Singapore on 8th September.
The squad, which will be led by Salima Tete, features a balanced mix of youth and experience with goalkeepers Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam providing depth under the post. The defence unit will be marshalled by experienced players like Nikki Pradhan and Udita, supported by youngsters Manisha Chauhan, Jyoti, Suman Devi Thoudam, and Ishika Chaudhary.
In the midfield, the team boasts strong names such as Neha, Captain Salima Tete, Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, Sunelita Toppo, and Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, ensuring both creativity and stability. The forward line comprises of Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Mumtaz Khan, Beauty Dungdung, and Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, with now Sakshi into the mix.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
