New Delhi, 29 June 2018: Hockey India on Friday announced the 18-member Indian Women’s Hockey Team for the prestigious Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup London 2018 which is slated to begin on July 21. The Indian Team has been placed in Pool B along with hosts and World No. 2 England, World No. 7 USA and World No. 16 Ireland.
The team will be led by experienced forward Rani while Goalkeeper Savita will shoulder the responsibility of Vice Captain. Fellow Goalkeeper Rajani Etimarpu returns to the team after having been rested for the Spain Tour.
India’s defence will consist of Sunita Lakra, Deep Grace Ekka, Deepika, drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur and youngster Reena Khokhar who makes a comeback into the team. In the midfield, Namita Toppo, Lilima Minz, Monika, Neha Goyal, Navjot Kaur and Nikki Pradhan will hold fort.
India’s Captain Rani returned to the team during their Spain Tour and will again be leading her team’s forward-line. The ace-striker will be linking up with the experienced Vandana Katariya while Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami and Udita will also provide them support in attack.
“It was not an easy decision to select the 18-member team as all the core probables have worked really hard in the National Camp. However, we feel that this 18-member team will be the best mixture to be successful at the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup London 2018,” stated Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne.
On the team’s balance, the Dutchman said, “We have a good blend of experience and youth in the team. The recent Spain Tour has given the team great confidence to do well at the World Cup. Our focus is on the first match against England.”
“In order to reach our first goal of qualifying for the quarter finals, we can only think about the first match against the hosts and the team is excited and confident of starting well against them in front of a packed stadium,” expressed Marijne.
Indian Women’s Team
Goalkeepers
1. Savita (VC)
2. Rajani Etimarpu
Defenders
3. Sunita Lakra
4. Deep Grace Ekka
5. Deepika
6. Gurjit Kaur
7. Reena Khokhar
Midfielders
8. Namita Toppo
9. Lilima Minz
10. Monika
11. Neha Goyal
12. Navjot Kaur
13. Nikki Pradhan
Forwards
14. Rani (C)
15. Vandana Katariya
16. Navneet Kaur
17. Lalremsiami
18. Udita
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