Lko’s Mumtaz in Indian squad for Asia Cup 2025 | Lucknow News
Lucknow: City girl Mumtaz Khan has secured a berth in the Indian squad for the Women’s Asia Cup 2025, to be held in Hangzhou, China, from Sept 5 to 14. She is the lone player from Uttar Pradesh in the 20-member team announced by Hockey India on Thursday.India has been drawn in Pool B, where it will face Japan, Thailand and Singapore. The team will open its campaign against Thailand on Sept 5, followed by a clash with Japan on Sept 6, before playing its last pool-stage match against Singapore on Sept 8. Talking to TOI, Mumtaz said, “We have to perform well in the Asia Cup, as winning the title will give us direct entry to the 2026 FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup.” “I am very thankful to UP Hockey president RP Singh and secretary Rajnish Mishra for their continued guidance and support,” she added. The squad, led by Salima Tete, features a balanced mix of youth and experience, with goalkeepers Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam providing depth under the post. The defence will be marshalled by experienced players such as Nikki Pradhan and Udita, supported by youngsters Manisha Chauhan, Jyoti, Suman Devi Thoudam and Ishika Chaudhary. In midfield, the team boasts strong names such as Neha, captain Salima Tete, Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, Sunelita Toppo and Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, ensuring both creativity and stability. The forward line features a blend of seasoned campaigners and rising stars — Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Mumtaz Khan, Deepika, Beauty Dungdung and Rutaja Dadaso Pisal. The team: Goalkeepers: Bansari Solanki, Bichu Devi Kharibam; defenders: Manisha Chauhan, Udita, Jyoti, Suman Devi Thoudam, Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary; Midfielders: Neha, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Salima Tete, Sharmila Devi, Lalremsiami, Sunelita Toppo; forwards: Navneet Kaur, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Beauty Dungdung, Mumtaz Khan, Deepika, Sangita Kumari.
