The Bangladesh Hockey Federation has announced an 18-member squad for the Women’s Asian Games Hockey Qualifiers, set to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia from April 23 to 29.

The team will leave for Indonesia on April 20 to take part in the competition.

Arpita Pal will lead the side in the qualifiers. This will be the first senior assignment of the Bangladesh team at international arena, however, most players have represented the country at under-21 level.

Zahid Hossain Raju will accompany the team as head coach, while former women's team player Ritu Khanam will serve as his assistant for the tournament.

The teams have been divided into two groups. In Group A, Bangladesh will face Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong and Uzbekistan. The other group comprises Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Singapore and Sri Lanka.

The top four teams from the qualifiers will earn places in the final round of the Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Japan in September.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Mohua, Himadri Barua Shukh

Defenders: Niladri Barua Neel, Mosammat Riyasha Akter Rishi, Ninisen Rakhine, Mosammat Tanni Khatun, Donuching Marma, Ritu Akter

Midfielders: Nadira, Arpita Pal, Fardia Akter Ratri, Sharika Safa Rimon, Fatema Tuz Zohura

Forwards: Irene Akter Riya, Nadira Talukdar Ema, Mosammat Kona Akter, Mosammat Zakia Afroze Lima, Sanjida Akter Moni