Hockey India announces squad for the Women's Hockey World League Round 2

New Delhi, 9th March 2017: Hockey India on Thursday announced the 18-member Indian Senior Women’s team who will take part in the upcoming Women’s HockeyWorld League Round 2 in West Vancouver, Canada starting April 1. The team includes the experienced Deepika, Rani, Vandana Katariya, Poonam Rani, Navjot Kaur, Deep Grace Ekka, Renuka Yadav, Monika, Sunita Lakra, Namita Toppo, and goalkeeper Savita who were all part of the Rio Olympics squad too.

Midfielder Ritu Rani makes a comeback into the squad after a seven-month sabbatical. The former India captain had announced her retirement in September last year post her wedding. “I am very happy and excited to be back in the national camp with my teammates. I thank Hockey India for allowing me to withdraw my retirement and giving me the opportunity to be part of the team again. My family is extremely supportive of me playing hockey and they really encouraged me to pursue the sport even after marriage. They are the reason why I am back again. I think the women’s team has entered a new and exciting phase where I believe if we work hard, we can really make a mark in world hockey,” she stated.

The Indian eves recorded an emphatic win against Belarus in the recently-concluded Five-Match Test Series. They registered five straight wins to seal the Series held in Bhopal. Speaking about the big win ahead of the Hockey World League Round 2, Sjoerd Marijne, the newly-appointed chief coach for the Indian women’s team said, “The most important thing in the Test Series was to understand each other. Besides that, we wanted to implement a few new things and the girls understand better and better which is really good. I am happy with the result and most importantly I am happy with their consistent performance.”

The all-important Women’s Hockey World League Round 2 in West Vancouver will witness India participate alongside Belarus, Canada, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay and Chile. Marijne insisted that the following weeks at the national camp in Bhopal will be crucial in terms of improving their fitness and other tactical structure. “The next few weeks will be crucial as we will train on specific details. The focus will be on fitness, passing and receiving specific to the tactical structure we want to play. We like to play fast hockey and it starts with these elements,” insisted the Dutchman. He further stated that playing practice matches is important as it helps improve the team’s defensive skills.

The Test Series against Belarus was Marijne and analytical coach Eric Wonink’s first tournament with the Indian outfit after they took charge. Speaking about his new assignment as Chief Coach for the Indian women’s team, Marijne expressed that his first few weeks have been fruitful. “We feel really welcome. The team is very disciplined and they show the eagerness to get better and better. As coaches, it is a good environment to be in,” he said.

SQUAD: 
Goalkeepers
1. Savita
2. Rajani Etimarpu

Defenders 
3. Deep Grace Ekka
4. Sunita Lakra
5. Gurjit Kaur
6. Renuka Yadav
7. Lalhlunmawii

Midfielders 
8. Deepika
9. Navjot Kaur
10. Ritu Rani
11. Monika
12. Lily Chanu Mayengbam
13. Namita Toppo

Forwards 
14. Rani
15. Vandana Katariya
16. Poonam Rani
17. Sonika
18. Anupa Barla