Odisha: Deep Grace Ekka, Namita Toppo, Lilima Minz and Mariana Kujur of Odisha have secured berths in the 18-member Indian hockey squad, announced by Hockey India on Friday. The upcoming Women’s Asian Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Donghae, South Korea from December 5-12. FIH Goalkeeper of the Year Savita has been named as the captain of the team, experienced defender Deep Grace will be vice-captain for the important tournament.
The team includes goalkeeper Rajani Etimarpu and defenders Udita, Nikki Pradhan, Gurjit Kaur, who were all part of the Tokyo Olympics squad. The midfield includes Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Nisha, Monika, Neha and Jyoti who played for India in their historic fourth place finish at the Tokyo Olympics. Namita who was the alternate player at the Tokyo Olympics as well as her state-mate from Odisha Lilima are also part of the team. The forward line will see two-time Olympian Vandana Katariya leading the charge with Navneet Kaur who was part of the Tokyo Olympic squad. Forwards Rajwinder Kaur, Mariana Kujur and Sonika too have been named in the team. Navjot Kaur and youngster Suman Devi Thoudam have been chosen as alternate players who will be permitted to play only if there is an injury or someone in the 18-member squad is ruled out of due to Covid-19.
Speaking about the team composition, Chief Coach Janneke Schopman said, “Despite some unfortunate injuries and senior players joining the junior team for the Junior World Cup in South Africa, I feel we have selected a good team for the upcoming Women’s Asian Champions Trophy. This tournament will be a good opportunity for some young new players to get a taste of the highest international level and I’m excited to see if we can implement our training themes consistently.”
“I’m sure that expectations are high after our success at the Tokyo Olympics but we all start from scratch again. I am confident that we can show our abilities and will be looking for our team to play consistently at a high pace,” Schopman added.
India will play their opening match against Thailand on December 5, they take on Malaysia on December 6 and hosts and defending Champions Korea in their third match on December 8. India will lock horns with China on December 9 and Japan on December 11. The Final will take place on December 12 between the topper of the pool and the team that finished second in the pool. In the previous edition in 2018, India finished runners-up behind Korea.
