FIH Hockey Junior Women’s World Cup 2021: 2 From Odisha Make It To The Indian Squad

In another moment of glory for Odisha, two girls from the State have been included in India’s 18-member squad for the FIH Hockey Women's Junior World Cup, 2021. 

The tournament is scheduled to kick off in South Africa on December 5.

The Odisha girls who have found place in the country’s team are Ajmina Kujur and Jiwan Kishori Toppo. While Anjima is a mid-fielder, Jiwan is a forward player.

Forward Lalremsiami, who was a part of the Indian senior women's hockey team which finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics, will lead the team. The event will witness 16 top teams from across the globe battle for the title which was previously won by Argentina in 2016.

While the 21-year-old Lalremsiami will captain the squad, defender Ishika Chaudhary will shoulder the responsibility of vice-captaincy. The team also includes Salima Tete and Sharmila Devi, who were part of the senior team at the Tokyo Olympics.

Preeti and Prabhleen Kaur have been chosen as alternate players who will be permitted to compete if there is an injury or someone in the squad is ruled out due to COVID-19.

"With the experience from the Senior team and some great young talent we will show the best India has to give. The team is very excited as they have waited a long time to compete at the world stage and we're looking forward to making the most of this great opportunity," said a Hockey India press release.

India, who are grouped in Pool C, will begin their campaign on December 6 against Russia. They will take on defending champions Argentina on December 7 in their second match in the round-robin league, followed by a clash against Japan on December 9. The knockout matches will take place between December 10 and December 16.

India Squad: Lalremsiami (C), Ishika Chaudhary (VC), Bichu Devi Kharibam (GK), Khushboo (GK), Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Priyanka, Marina Lalramnghaki, Ajmina Kujur, Baljeet Kaur, Reet, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Salima Tete, Sharmila Devi, Beauty Dungdung, Deepika, Mumtaz Khan, Sangita Kumari, Jiwan Kishori Toppo.