Women’s hockey team announced for Argentina tour

Hockey India today announced the 18-member Indian senior women’s squad for a tour of Argentina which will take place from November 18 to November 30, 2015.

The Indian Women's Hockey team confirmed their place in the Rio Olympics 2016 by finishing 5th in the Hockey World League.

Hockey India today announced the 18-member Indian senior women’s squad for a tour of Argentina which will take place from November 18 to November 30, 2015.

The squad announced in the midst of the on-going National camp at Bhubaneshwar, will be led by experienced campaigner Ritu Rani.

The Indian goalpost will be guarded by Savita and Rajani Etimarpu. The defence line will see vice-captain Deepika alongside Sunita Lakra, Susila Chanu Pukhrmbam, Jaspreet Kaur and Deep Grace Ekka.

The midfield will have Captain Ritu Rani with Renuka Yadav, Lilima Minz, Navjot Kaur, Monika and Namita Toppo. Navneet Kaur, Rani, Poonam Rani, Vandana Kataria and Anuradha Devi Thokchom will complete the forward line for team India.

The Indian Women’s team has been on a high this year winning the second round of the Hockey World league earlier this year which was held in Delhi. The team gained 5th position in the Hockey World League Round 3 by virtue of which they qualified for the Rio Olympics for the first time in 36 years.

“The team has been practicing together since the camp started. We believe in putting excessive emphasis on team work and the new team of coaches and support staff are working hard to increase the work rate of each player. We have an experienced Captain and she knows how to lead by example,” said Neil Andrew Hawgood, Chief Coach, Indian women’s hockey team.

“The qualifications for the Olympics have been a boost and we will be playing in similar conditions to that of Rio which will give us advantage in our Olympic campaign. I have full faith in the girls and I hope we will put up a good show together,” he added.

Dr. Narinder Dhruv Batra, President, Hockey India said, “The girls have showcased what they are capable of with their recent achievements. Qualifying for the Olympics for the first time in 36 years is by itself a huge testimony to their hunger to succeed and capabilities.”

Squad for the Argentina tour

GOALKEEPERS - Savita, Rajani Etimarpu

DEFENDERS - Sunita Lakra, Deepika, Susila Chanu Pukhrmbam, Jaspreet Kaur, Deep Grace Ekka

MIDFIELDERS - Renuka Yadav, Ritu Rani (Captain), Lilima Minz, Navjot Kaur, Monika, Namita Toppo

FORWARDS - Navneet Kaur, Rani, Poonam Rani, Vandana Kataria, Anuradha Devi Thokchom