Hockey India on Friday named the 18-member Indian Women’s Hockey Team for the 18th Asian Games 2018 to begin in Jakarta and Palembang on 18 August 2018.
The team will be led by striker Rani who had successfully captained the Indian Women’s Hockey Team that won the 9th Women’s Asia Cup last year. Ace goalkeeper Savita has been named as the vice-captain. She will be joined by Rajani Etimarpu at the goalpost.
India’s defence will feature the experienced Deep Grace Ekka, Sunita Lakra, Deepika, Reena Khokhar and dragflicker Gurjit Kaur while the team’s midfield will include Namita Toppo, Lilima Minz, Monika, Udita, Nikki Pradhan and Neha Goyal.
The forward-line will be led by the skipper Rani who has over 200 International Caps for India. She will be ably-supported by Vandana Katariya who also completed 200 International Caps for India at the recently held Spain Tour. Youngster Lalremsiami has also been rewarded with a place in the squad for her recent exploits and she will be joined by Navneet Kaur and Navjot Kaur who have had a good showing in the recent tournaments for India.
“We have a good mixture of experienced and young players. I’m happy to note that each one of them have experienced what it is like to play high level matches,” expressed Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne.
He further added that the team’s performance at the forthcoming Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup London 2018 starting 21 July 2018will have an impact ahead of the 18th Asian Games. “Playing well in London will be good for the confidence of the team ahead of the 18th Asian Games. I can tell the team that they are good and that they are capable of winning against any team but when you experience it yourself it is always better for the confidence,” added Marijne.
While India have etched their place as a dominant team at the Asian level with their winning performances at the 9th Women’s Asia Cup (winners in 2017) and the Asian Champions Trophy (winners in 2016; runners up in 2018), China ranked No.8 in the world and Korea ranked at No.9 will be a threat to India’s campaign for Gold at the Asian Games. On asked if the Team is working on specific areas to excel against China and Korea, Sjoerd said, “The team’s focus at the moment is on the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup London 2018. A good show there will certainly give us the right momentum for the 18th Asian Games and who our opponents are won’t matter if our performance is good in all areas.”
Indian Women’s Team: Goalkeepers –Savita (Vice-Captain), Rajani Etimarpu; defenders – Deep Grace Ekka, Sunita Lakra, Deepika, Gurjit Kaur, Reena Khokhar; Midfielders –
Namita Toppo, Lilima Minz, Monika, Udita, Nikki Pradhan, Neha Goyal; Forwards – Rani (Captain), Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur and Navjot Kaur.
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