Four from Odisha selected for Hockey Women’s World Cup in London

New Delhi: Hockey India on Friday announced the 18-member Indian Women’s Hockey Team for the prestigious Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup London 2018 which is slated to begin on July 21.

As many as four players from Odisha have been included in the 18-member Indian Women’s Hockey Team. They are Sunita Lakra, Deep Grace Ekka, Namita Toppo and Lilima Minz

The Indian Team has been placed in Pool B along with hosts and World No. 2 England, World No. 7 USA and World No. 16 Ireland.

The team will be led by experienced forward Rani while Goalkeeper Savita will shoulder the responsibility of Vice Captain. Fellow Goalkeeper Rajani Etimarpu returns to the team after having been rested for the Spain Tour.

India’s defence will consist of Sunita Lakra, Deep Grace Ekka, Deepika, drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur and youngster Reena Khokhar who makes a comeback into the team. In the midfield, Namita Toppo, Lilima Minz, Monika, Neha Goyal, Navjot Kaur and Nikki Pradhan will hold the fort.

India’s Captain Rani returned to the team during their Spain Tour and will again be leading her team’s forward-line. The ace-striker will be linking up with the experienced Vandana Katariya while Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami and Udita will also provide them support in attack.

“It was not an easy decision to select the 18-member team as all the core probables have worked really hard in the National Camp. However, we feel that this 18-member team will be the best mixture to be successful at the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup London 2018,” stated Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne.

On the team’s balance, the Dutchman said, “We have a good blend of experience and youth in the team. The recent Spain Tour has given the team great confidence to do well at the World Cup. Our focus is on the first match against England.”

“In order to reach our first goal of qualifying for the quarter-finals, we can only think about the first match against the hosts and the team is excited and confident of starting well against them in front of a packed stadium,” expressed Marijne.