Savita makes way for Bansari in Indian women’s hockey squad for ACT

NEW DELHI Veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia has been rested from the Asian Champions Trophy in Bhopal, replaced by Bansari Solanki in the Indian women's hockey squad unveiled on Tuesday, with head coach Sjoerd Marijne also announcing changes to the roles of some players during the event. The tournament is scheduled to be held from November 19 to 28 at the newly-built International Sports Complex, Nathu Barkheda, Bhopal and India will enter as the defending champions. India will begin their campaign against Malaysia on the opening day of the competition.

Mid-fielder Salima Tete will continue to lead the team, which is playing its first international tournament after the historic gold medal at the Asian Games in Japan last month. The hosts have secured the ACT title in 2016, 2023 and 2024. The six-team competition will feature India, China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and South Korea.

Like India, South Korea too have won the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy three times. The 25-year-old Bansari has been part of the squad that won the Asia Cup last year.