Bhubaneswar, July 12: The Hockey Association of Odisha has announced the selection of the 18-member Odisha Junior Women’s Hockey team, set to compete in the 2nd Hockey India Junior Women’s East Zone Championship 2024, to be held in Kolkata. The championship will take place from the 14-21 July, showcasing some of the finest hockey talent in the region.
The Odisha team is set to encounter strong adversaries, including Assam Hockey, Manipur Hockey, Hockey Bihar, Hockey Bengal and Hockey Jharkhand. The squad will begin their campaign with an exciting match against Assam Hockey, setting the tone for a thrilling tournament.
The goalkeeping duties will rest with Amisha Kullu and Pabitra Hodam, while the defense line-up comprises Sonali Ekka, Neharika Toppo, Ahalya Lakra, Puja Ramchhuria, Premsila Bage and Priyanka Kujur.
The midfield section, often considered the heartbeat of the team, will be controlled by the dynamic players Supriya, Amisha Ekka, Rambha Kujur, Janhabi Bada and Drupati Naik.
The forward line, famous for its dynamism and talent, includes Doli Bhoi, Priyanka Toppo, Yashoda, Jyoti Xaxa and Anushka Bhawre, all expected to deliver stellar performances.
Speaking on the team selection Chief Coach Pinhas Das Said, “Our players have engaged in intensive training over the past month, emphasizing technical and tactical aspects of the game, as well as integrating seamlessly into each other’s gameplay. The preparatory matches have played a pivotal role in honing their skills and evaluating their preparedness. The team is brimming with confidence and energy, and I am hopeful about our chances in the championship.”
The Hockey Association of Odisha extends its heartfelt wishes to the team, confident that they will excel and bring pride to the State.
Odisha’s Junior Women’s Hockey Team
Goalkeepers:
1. Amisha Kullu
2. Pabitra Hodam
Defenders:
3. Sonali Ekka
4. Neharika Toppo
5. Ahalya Lakra
6. Puja Ramchhuria
7. Premsila Bage
8. Priyanka Kujur
Midfielders:
9. Supriya
10. Amisha Ekka
11. Rambha Kujur
12. Janhabi Bada
13. Drupati Naik
Forwards:
14. Doli Bhoi
15. Priyanka Toppo
16. Yashoda
17. Jyoti Xaxa
18. Anushka Bhawre
