BEIJING, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- China has announced a 23-woman squad to travel to India for the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup on Tuesday, with several veterans returning to the roster.
China has been preparing for the tournament in a training camp since last December, under new head coach Shui Qingxia. The Chinese side will travel to India on January 15.
Compared to China's roster for the Tokyo Olympics, several veterans have returned to the squad, including Li Ying, Zhao Lina and Li Jiayue.
The team showcases a strong mix of experience and energy, ranging in age from 20 (Zhang Linyan) to 32 (Zhang Rui).
"Thanks for this opportunity, I will accept this challenge and try my best to complete our mission and live up to expectations," said experienced forward Li Ying, who returns to the squad after an absence of two years.
The 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup takes place in India from January 20 to February 6.
China has been drawn in Group A along with Chinese Taipei, Iran and host India.
Group B consists of Australia, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia, while defending champion Japan sits in Group C along with South Korea, Vietnam and Myanmar.
The top five teams excluding Australia will qualify directly for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup to be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
China's 23-woman roster is as follows:
Head coach: Shui Qingxia
Goalkeepers: Zhu Yu, Xu Huan, Zhao Lina;
Defenders: Wang Xiaoxue, Yao Lingwei, Li Mengwen, Li Jiayue, Gao Chen, Lou Jiahui, Li Ying;
Midfielders: Yao Wei, Ma Jun, Liu Yanqiu, Wu Chengshu, Yang lina, Zhang Xin, Xiao Yuyi, Wang Yanwen, Zhang Rui, Tang Jiali;
Forwards: Wang Shuang, Wang Shanshan, Zhang Linyan.
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