Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], April 16 (ANI): Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey emphasised that the next two to three years will be crucial for Indian women's hockey. With the Asian Games, the World Cup, and the Olympics on the horizon, along with several important tournaments in between, the team is entering a pivotal phase.

The Indian women's team is set to tour Perth, Australia, where they will play five matches. The tour will begin with two games against Australia A, followed by three matches against the senior Australian team. All fixtures will be held at the Perth Hockey Stadium. This tour is seen as a key preparatory assignment ahead of the FIH Pro League 2024-25, which is scheduled for June.

'The next two to three years are crucial for women's hockey... This month, five matches will be played in Perth, Australia... For the first time, five young players who performed well in the Hockey India League have been selected for this team... Many important tournaments are coming up after that, like the (Women's FIH) Pro League and the Asia Cup, and then the Olympics and World Cup next year. Looking at future tournaments, it is important for young players to gain experience. So the Australia round is important for young players,' Dilip Tirkey said while speaking to ANI.

Five new players have received their first senior national call-ups. This tour is particularly important for the young players as it offers them a valuable opportunity to gain experience by playing alongside and against senior international players. Touring Australia is especially significant for the youngsters, as they will be tested against high quality opposition in challenging conditions a crucial step in their development at the international level.

Hockey India announced a 26-member squad on Monday for the upcoming tour, which will take place from April 26 to May 4.

The squad will be led by dynamic midfielder Salima Tete, with experienced forward Navneet Kaur serving as the vice-captain. The tour will be a crucial preparatory assignment ahead of the team's European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25, set to be held in June, as per the Hockey India press release.

Seasoned goalkeeper Savita and young talent Bichu Devi Kharibam will share responsibilities between the posts, providing a strong last line of defence, Hockey India said.

Jyoti Singh, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Sujata Kujur, Suman Devi Thoudam, Jyoti, Ajmina Kujur, and Sakshi Rana will feature in the defensive lineup, reflecting a mix of experience and promising young talent.

In the midfield, captain Salima Tete will marshal the centre with support from Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Sharmila Devi, Manisha Chauhan, Sunelita Toppo, Mahima Tete, Pooja Yadav, and Lalremsiami, bringing depth and creativity to the side, Hockey India said.

The forward line comprises of Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Mumtaz Khan, Baljeet Kaur, Deepika Soreng, and Beauty Dungdung. (ANI)