Fri. Mar 29th, 2024
Rani

Hockey World League Semi Final will begin from July 8 in Johannesburg. The Indian Hockey women’s team is all set to display good performance under the leadership of Rani, as she is appointed as the captain of the 18-member team, while Sushila Chanu Pukhrambamhas been given the post of vice-captain.

The Indian squad taking part in the tournament is :

Savita, Rajani Etimarpu, Deep Grace Ekka, Sunita Lakra , Gurjit Kaur ,Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam (Vice Captain), Monika, Renuka Yadav, Nikki Pradhan, Namita Toppo, Navjot Kaur, Ritu Rani (captain), Lilima Minz, Reena Khokhar , Rani (Captain), Vandana Katariya , Anupa Barla, Preeti Dubey.

The team consists of quite experienced players. Deep Grace Ekka, Sunita Lakra, Monika, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam and Gurjit Kaur will take care of the defence department. Whereas the midfield will consist of Ritu Rani, Lilima Minz, Navjot Kaur, Renuka Yadav, Nikki Pradhan and Namita Toppo. Further,  Rani, Vandana Katariya, Preeti Dubey, Anupa Barla and Reena Khokhar will form the forward department. Savita and Rajani Etimarpu are the two goalkeepers.

Women’s team will be looking to perform better and get good results tough they have recently faced a 0-5 defeat by New Zealand. The Chief coach, Sjoerd Marijne said ahead of the tournament, “While our first aim is to do well in the Pool Stage and do well against opponents like South Africa and Argentina, our big aim at the tournament is to qualify for the World Cup next year. Though the qualifying criteria is top five teams, since England are the hosts, our criteria will be to finish in top 6 to qualify for the World Cup.”

By Naman