The Indian women’s hockey team will be hoping to overcome tough opposition and injury setbacks as it chases a World Cup spot at the Asia Cup in Hangzhou from September 4 to 15.

The 20-member squad named for the continental event on Thursday had two conspicuous absentees — goalkeeper and veteran Savita Punia and experienced midfielder Sushila Chanu — both out with major injuries. While Savita has an ankle injury that got aggravated during training recently, Sushila has been struggling with recurring knee injury.

In their absence, captain Salima Tete will have to shoulder additional pressure while Bichu Devi, long-time understudy to Savita, will be hoping to finally come out of the shadows of her senior colleague and prove herself in a major competition. Also, Udita has returned for her first outing since marriage and will be expected to shore up the defence.

Unlike the men, it would be a tougher ask for the Indian women to finish on top of the competition with Paris Olympics silver medallist and world no. 4 China, the host, and world no. 12 Japan likely hurdles. India has been drawn in Pool B with Japan, Thailand and Singapore; China, Malaysia, Korea and Chinese Taipei in Pool A. While making the top-two in its own group may not be difficult, reaching the final and winning it will be a tougher challenge.

“The group has been training with great intensity and we have tried to strike the right balance between experienced campaigners and young talent. Our focus will be on playing an aggressive and disciplined brand of hockey. Every match will test our composure, fitness, and tactical execution. The players are motivated to rise to the occasion,” coach Harendra Singh said.

The squad: 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 Pisal, Beauty Dungdung, Mumtaz Khan, Deepika, Sangita Kumari.