New Delhi, Defender Lalthantluangi on Monday received her maiden senior team call-up for the upcoming tour of Australia, where seasoned mid-fielder Salima Tete will lead the Indian women’s hockey team.
The tour, scheduled from May 26 to 30 in Perth, is a part of preparation for the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025-26, which will be held in Auckland from June 15-21.
The Indian team heads into the tour on the back of a strong showing in Argentina earlier this year, where it displayed plenty of fight to secure two wins in the four-match series.
Salima, a bronze medallist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, will have plenty of experience alongside her with the likes of Savita, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalremsiami and Navneet Kaur, as well as exciting young talent including Sonam, Hina Bano and Lalthantluangi.
Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam will be the reliable options in the goalkeeping department.
In defence, Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi and Jyoti will feature alongside Shilpi Dabas, who has earned her maiden senior team call-up.
“We have picked a squad with a good balance of experienced and young players, some of whom will get their first minutes at the international level. It’s important to keep developing players, and the best way to do that is under pressure in international matches,” Chief coach Sjoerd Marijne said.
“These players now have the chance to show their best, and I am looking forward to seeing their performances.”
The matches are scheduled to be held on May 26, 27, 29 and 30.
India squad:
Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam.
Defenders: Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi Dabas.
Midfielders: Salima Tete, Lalremsiami, Neha, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Deepika Soreng, Sonam.
Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Baljeet Kaur, Deepika, Annu, Ishika, Hina Bano, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal.
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