Experienced midfielder Sushila Chanu has been rested from India’s 20-member squad for the upcoming women’s Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) hockey tournament due to a suspected Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury.
Sushila, who led India at the Rio Olympics, was part of the Indian women’s team that won a bronze medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games last week. According to a Hockey India source, Sushila will soon consult a doctor to know the extent of the injury.
“Sushila has been rested because she has a suspected ACL issue. She needs to be checked by a doctor. Sushila is a vital member of the team and she needs to be fully fit ahead of upcoming important tournaments,” the source said.
Baljeet Kaur has replaced Sushila in the squad.
The Asian Champions Trophy will be held in Ranchi from October 27 to November 5.
Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, who too was in the Asian Games squad, has been named as a replacement player along with Sharmila Devi and will travel with the squad as back-up option. Besides Sushila, there were no surprises as such in the squad to be led by goalkeeper Savita.
