Rani Rampal to lead India in England tour

09/13/2019

Star Indian women hockey forward Rani Rampal was announced the captain of a 18-member squad that would be traveling to England in a five-match series, which has been scheduled to start from Sempteber 27 in Marlow. After Rampal, the management has announced goalkeepeer Savita as her deputy.

Hockey Indian has stuck most of their players and the 18-member squad was quite expected. With the likes of Savita and Rajani Etimarpu retaining their spots places after a glorious run at the Olympic Test Event, which took place in Japan recently.

Among the enforcers, the likes of Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Reena Khokhar and Salima Tete also saw their name in the squad, while the midfield saw veteran Namita Toppo returning after she had to spend a lengthy time on the sidelines with an injury, Hockey India said in a statement, reported PTI. Apart from Toppo, India’s midfield would also be having the likes of Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Nikki Pradhan, Monika, Neha Goyal and Lilima Minz.

"The balance and mixture of players in our team remains the same from previous tournaments as go into an important phase in our objective of qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics 2020," Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne said about the team.

"It is good to have Namita Toppo back in the squad for the first time since Asian Games 2018...We still have ten days of training before we leave for the matches in England. I am sure these matches will serve as good preparation for our vital FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in Odisha against USA in November 2019," he added.

The forward-line would be boasting the likes of Rani, Vandana Katariya, Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Navjot Kaur and youngster Sharmila Devi, most of whom made their international debut during the Olympic Test Event in Tokyo. The tour has also been seen as a preparation for USA in the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in Odisha.

The Indian Team:

Goalkeepers: Savita (Vice-Captain), Rajani Etimarpu

Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Reena Khokhar, Salima Tete

Midfielders: Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Nikki Pradhan, Monika, Neha Goyal, Lilima Minz, Namita Toppo.

Forwards: Rani (Captain), Vandana Katariya, Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Navjot Kaur, Sharmila Devi. PM PM