Bhubaneswar: The Hockey Association of Odisha has announced the 18-member squad that will represent the state in the 14th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship 2024. The tournament, which runs from September 30 to October 10, is set to take place at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi.
The Odisha team, led by captain Sumi Mundari and vice-captain Tanuja Toppo, is geared up for intense competition. They are set to face strong teams, including Hockey Bengal and Hockey Bihar, in the group stage. Odisha will begin their campaign with an exciting match against Hockey Bihar on October 2, a game that is expected to set the tone for the tournament.
Team Composition: The squad boasts a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, with goalkeepers Engil H Minz and Namsi Jharika anchoring the defense. The team’s backline will be strengthened by defenders Puja Ramchhuria, Sonali Ekka, Rose Mary Xalxo, Priya Toppo, and Amisha Ekka.
In midfield, captain Sumi Mundari will lead alongside Priyanka Kujur, Tanuja Toppo, Nisha Dadel, Premshila Bage, and Anandita Toppo. The attacking frontline, comprising Rambha Khujur, Jyoti Xaxa, Surekha Bahala, Karuna Minz, and Binati Minz, is expected to spearhead Odisha’s charge in the tournament.
Intense Preparations: Chief Coach Lilima Minz expressed confidence in the team’s preparation, stating, “Our girls have undergone intense training over the past couple of months, blending into each other’s game styles. The preparatory matches have been crucial in refining their skills and assessing their readiness. The girls feel confident about their performance in the tournament, and I am optimistic about our prospects in the championship.”
Best Wishes from Odisha Hockey Leadership: The team received a warm send-off with best wishes from Shri Deepankar Mohopata, CEO of the Hockey Promotional Council Odisha, and Dr. Dilip Tirkey, President of the Hockey Association of Odisha. Both dignitaries, along with other officials from the Department of Sports and Youth Services (DSYS) and Hockey Association of Odisha (HAO), interacted with the players, boosting their morale ahead of the competition.
Odisha Junior Women’s Hockey Team:
Goalkeepers:
- Engil H Minz
- Namsi Jharika
Defenders: 3. Puja Ramchhuria
4. Sonali Ekka
5. Rose Mary Xalxo
6. Priya Toppo
7. Amisha Ekka
Midfielders: 8. Sumi Mundari (Captain)
9. Priyanka Kujur
10. Tanuja Toppo (Vice-Captain)
11. Nisha Dadel
12. Premshila Bage
13. Anandita Toppo
Forwards: 14. Rambha Khujur
15. Jyoti Xaxa
16. Surekha Bahala
17. Karuna Minz
18. Binati Minz