Internet Desk: Midfielder Udita will be leading an 18-member squad for the 4th Women U-18 Asia Cup, to be held in Bangkok, Thailand from December 16 to 22.
Salima Tete will be Udita’s deputy during the upcoming tournament, Hockey India (HI) announced today.
Fresh from her stint with the national side in the recently concluded series against Australia, 14-year-old Salima will be a key member in the Indian defence that will be held by Ritu, Neelu Dadiya, Suman Devi Thoudam, and Gagandeep Kaur, along with goalkeepers Divya Thepe and Alpha Kerketta.
The midfield will see young talents such as Manpreet Kaur, Jyoti, Mariana Kujur, Mahima Choudhary and Lalremsiami, besides skipper Udita.
The forward line will include the likes of Sangita Kumari, Poonam, Leelavathy Mallamada Jaya, Rajwinder Kaur, and Mumtaz Khan.
Udita said the girls were upbeat and confident about doing well in the tournament.
“This is a very good learning opportunity for young players like us. The team is really looking forward to playing in Bangkok. We are playing well as a unit and will put our best foot forward against the opponents,” she said.
Squad:
Goalkeerpers: Divya Thepe, Alpha Kerketta.
Defenders: Salima Tete (Vice Captain), Ritu, Neelu Dadiya, Suman Devi Thoudam, Gagandeep Kaur.
Midfielders: Udita (Captain), Manpreet Kaur, Jyoti, Mariana Kujur, Mahima Choudhary, Lalremsiami.
Forwards: Sangita Kumari, Poonam, Leelavathy Mallamada Jaya, Rajwinder Kaur, Mumtaz Khan.