Salima Tete to Lead Indian Women's Hockey Team in Asian Champions Trophy

Salima Tete has been appointed as the captain of the 18-member Indian women's hockey team for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held from November 11 to 20 at the newly-developed Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar. Navneet Kaur will serve as Tete's deputy.

India enters the competition as the defending champions, having clinched the title at last year's edition in Ranchi. The team will face stiff competition from five other nations, including reigning Olympic silver-medallists China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand, in the battle for continental supremacy.

Tete, a dynamic mid-fielder, expressed her excitement and determination to lead the team to another successful campaign. "It's an incredible feeling to lead the team into another major tournament, especially as defending champions," she said. "We have trained rigorously and have a strong unit with both experienced players and young talent. Our goal is to defend our title and play with the same passion and determination we showed last year."

The goalkeeping duties will be shared between the experienced Savita and rising talent Bichu Devi Kharibam. The defence will be anchored by a solid line-up, featuring Udita, Jyoti, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, and Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke.

In the mid-field, captain Tete will be supported by Neha, Sharmila Devi, Manisha Chauhan, Sunelita Toppo, and Lalremsiami, all known for their dynamic play. The forward line-up boasts firepower with Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Preeti Dubey, and Beauty Dungdung leading the charge.

Notably, Sushila and Beauty Dungdung make their return to the team after successfully completing their rehabilitation. "We are confident in our preparation and the chemistry we've built within the team," said vice-captain Navneet. "Playing in front of our home crowd is a huge boost, and we are ready to face tough competition from the best teams in Asia."

India will open their campaign against Malaysia on November 11. The team is determined to defend their title and continue their dominance in Asian hockey.

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