Pooja yadav

FIH Hockey Pro League: After a month-long senior national training camp, the Indian women’s hockey team is set for a challenging five-match tour of Australia from April 26 to May 4. The tour begins with two matches against Australia A on April 26 and 27, followed by three matches against the World No. 5 Australian senior women’s team on May 1, 3 and 4 at the Perth Hockey Stadium.

The Indian team last competed in the FIH Hockey Pro League (Women) at home, where they registered two wins and one shootout victory in a mixed campaign. They ended the tournament on a high, clinching a bonus point against World No. 1 Netherlands in a thrilling shootout after a 2-2 draw across regulation time.

Hockey India has named a 26-member squad for the tour, with Salima Tete leading the side as captain and Navneet Kaur as vice-captain. Rising drag-flicker Deepika, who impressed with three goals during the Pro League matches in February, will be keen to continue her form. The tour also marks a milestone for veteran goalkeeper Savita, who recently completed 300 international caps and continues to anchor the defence.