New Delhi: Striker Saba Anjum will lead the Indian women's hockey team in the Champions Challenge I tournament to be held in Dublin, Ireland from June 18-26 in the absence of regular skipper Surinder Kaur, who opted out of the event citing family problems.
Hockey India selectors B P Govinda, Syed Ali, Rekha Bhide, Rajbir Kaur and Sita Mehta besides government observers Harbinder Singh and Dilip Tirkey picked up the 18-member team after trials held here recently.
Apart from Saba, the forwardline will also have vice-captain Jasjeet Kaur Handa, Rani, Anuradha Devi, Chanchan Devi, Soundarya Yendala and Poonam. Leaving aside seven forwards, the squad comprise of two goalkeepers, three defenders and six mid-fielders.
According to a statement, the selectors have also handpicked four stand-bys in E Rajini (goalkeeper), Vaishali Sul (defender), Rashmi Singh (forward) and Roselin Dung Dung (forward).
The Indian team qualified for the eight-nation event after winning the FIH Champions Challenge II at Kazan, Russia in 2009.
Eight teams have been drawn in two pools and the matches will be conducted on a league-cum-knockout format.
India have been drawn in Pool B alongside Spain, Azerbaijan and hosts Ireland while Pool A consists of Japan South Africa, United States and Scotland.
India eves will open their campaign against Ireland on June 18.
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