Indian Eves target World Cup qualification

India’s national women’s team have qualification for next year’s Rabobank Hockey World Cup firmly in their sights when they compete in the 8^th Women’s Asia Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Hockey India’s selectors have named the team that will take part in the Asia continental championship event, which will be played from 21-27 September.

Chief coach Neil Hawgood, assisted by B.P. Govinda, Surinder Kaur, Mamta Kharab, Coach I S Gill, Scientific Advisor Matthew Tredrea and Government Observer Harbinder Singh, selected a list of 18 players and 6 standbys following training sessions on 30 and 31 August 2013.

The 18 member squad will be captained by seasoned midfielder Ritu Rani, with fellow midfield starChanchan Devi Thokchom taking the vice captaincy. The complete line-up can be found below.

The senior women team camp is currently underway and commenced at NSNIS, Patiala from 8 August 2013 as final preparations for this tournament. The team will depart for Malaysia on 16 September 2013.

India – who need to win the tournament if they are to secure a place at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup in The Hague, Netherlands – will compete in Pool A with China, hosts Malaysia and Hong Kong China. Korea, Japan, Kazakhstan and Chinese Taipei will do battle in Pool B. India will open their campaign against Hong Kong China on 21 September followed by China on 22 September and hosts Malaysia on 24 September.

Goalkeepers

1: Rajani Etimarpu
2: Savita

Defenders

3: Deep Grace Ekka
4: Joydeep Kaur
5: Kirandeep Kaur
6: Sunita Lakra
7: Deepika
8: Namita Toppo
9: P Sushila Chanu
10: M N Ponnamma

Midfielders
11: Ritu Rani (Captain)
12: Chanchan Devi Thokchom (Vice-Captain)
13: Soundarya Yendala
14: Lily Chanu