New Delhi, 13 December 2016: Hockey India today announced an 18-member squad for the 4^th Women U-18 Asia Cup to be held in Bangkok, Thailand from December 16-22, 2016.

The team will be led by Udita and Salima Tete will be her deputy.

Fresh from her stint with the national side in the recently concluded series against Australia, 14-year-old Salima Tete 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 including Udita, Manpreet Kaur, Jyoti, Mariana Kujur, Mahima Choudhary, and Lalremsiami. The forward line will include Sangita Kumari, Poonam, Leelavathy Mallamada Jaya, Rajwinder Kaur, and Mumtaz Khan.

An enthusiastic group of young players, the girls are upbeat and confident before the tournament. Captain Udita said, “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 our opponents.”

GOALKEEPERS

1. Divya Thepe

2. Alpha Kerketta

DEFENDERS

3. Salima Tete (Vice Captain)

4. Ritu

5. Neelu Dadiya

6. Suman Devi Thoudam

7. Gagandeep Kaur

MIDFIELDERS

8. Udita (Captain)

9. Manpreet Kaur

10. Jyoti

11. Mariana Kujur

12. Mahima Choudhary

13. Lalremsiami

FORWARDS

14. Sangita Kumari

15. Poonam

16. Leelavathy Mallamada Jaya

17. Rajwinder Kaur

18. Mumtaz Khan