Hockey India announces squad for the Women's Hockey World League Round 2

~ The 18-member squad includes Ritu Rani who makes a comeback after withdrawing her retirement ~

New Delhi, 9th March 2017: Hockey India Thursday nnounced the 18-member Indian Senior Women’s team who will take part in the upcoming Women's Hockey World League Round 2 in West Vancouver, Canada starting April 1 The team includes the experienced Deepika, Rani, Vandana Katariya, Poonam Rani, Navjot Kaur, Deep Grace Ekka, Renuka Yadav, Monika, Sunita Lakra, Namita Toppo, and goalkeeper Savita who were all part of the Rio Olympics squad too. 

Midfielder Ritu Rani makes a comeback into the squad after a seven-month sabbatical. The former India captain had announced her retirement in September last year post her wedding. “I am very happy and excited to be back in the national camp with my teammates. I thank Hockey India for allowing me to withdraw my retirement and giving me the opportunity to be part of the team again. My family is extremely supportive of me playing hockey and they really encouraged me to pursue the sport even after marriage. They are the reason why I am back again. I think the women's team has entered a new and exciting phase where I believe if we work hard, we can really make a mark in world hockey,” she stated.  

The Indian eves recorded an emphatic win against Belarus in the recently-concluded Five-Match Test Series. They registered five straight wins to seal the Series held in Bhopal. Speaking about the big win ahead of the Hockey World League Round 2, Sjoerd Marijne, the newly-appointed chief coach for the Indian women’s team said, "The most important thing in the Test Series was to understand each other. Besides that, we wanted to implement a few new things and the girls understand better and better which is really good. I am happy with the result and most importantly I am happy with their consistent performance."  

The all-important Women's Hockey World League Round 2 in West Vancouver will witness India participate alongside Belarus, Canada, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay and Chile. Marijne insisted that the following weeks at the national camp in Bhopal will be crucial in terms of improving their fitness and other tactical structure. "The next few weeks will be crucial as we will train on specific details. The focus will be on fitness, passing and receiving specific to the tactical structure we want to play. We like to play fast hockey and it starts with these elements," insisted the Dutchman. He further stated that playing practice matches is important as it helps improve the team's defensive skills.   

The Test Series against Belarus was Marijne and analytical coach Eric Wonink's first tournament with the Indian outfit after they took charge. Speaking about his new assignment as Chief Coach for the Indian women's team, Marijne expressed that his first few weeks have been fruitful. "We feel really welcome. The team is very disciplined and they show the eagerness to get better and better. As coaches, it is a good environment to be in," he said. 

SQUAD: 

Goalkeepers

1. Savita 

2. Rajani Etimarpu 

Defenders 

3. Deep Grace Ekka 

4. Sunita Lakra 

5. Gurjit Kaur 

6. Renuka Yadav 

7. Lalhlunmawii

Midfielders 

8. Deepika 

9. Navjot Kaur 

10. Ritu Rani 

11. Monika 

12. Lily Chanu Mayengbam 

13. Namita Toppo 

Forwards 

14. Rani 

15. Vandana Katariya 

16. Poonam Rani 

17. Sonika 

18. Anupa Barla

HOCKEY INDIA TEAM PARTNERS

Sahara

Shiv Naresh

About HOCKEY INDIA

HOCKEY INDIA (HI) is the governing body having an exclusive mandate to direct and conduct all activities for both men and women hockey in India. It is recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Govt. of India as the sole body responsible towards promoting Hockey in India.

Headquartered in New Delhi, Hockey India was established on 20th May, 2009 and is affiliated to the International Hockey Federation (FIH), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Asian Hockey Federation (AHF).

Committed to the development of Hockey in the country, Hockey India with the assistance of Sports Authority of India and Department of Sports, Government of India, has drawn out a Long-Term Development Programme (LTDP) to train players, provide world-class infrastructure and International exposure besides regular international competition. With its vision to popularize the game and constantly promote it, Hockey India is dedicated to getting our team into the top three in the world.

Follow us on: www.hockeyindia.org | Twitter: @TheHockeyIndia | Facebook:  Hockey India

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