Lucknow: The 18-member squad of the Indian women’s hockey team for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, was named by Hockey India on Wednesday. Rani Rampal would lead the side while she would have the experienced goalkeeper Savita, as her deputy. Savita earlier was rested for India’s successful tour of South Korea.
India has been grouped in Pool A alongside Malasyia, Wales, England and South Africa and they would begin their campaign against Wales on April 5.
Rajani Etimarpu would accompany Savita in the goal as the defensive unit includes Deepika, Sunita Lakra, Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, and Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam. Monika, Namita Toppo and Nikki Pradhan, Neha Goyal and Lilima Minz would constitute India’s midfield.
The attacking unit would comprise of skipper Rani, Vandana Katariya, Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Navjot Kaur and Poonam Rani.
India, who are currently ranked 10th, would face tougher challenges from heavyweight sides like world no 2 England, world no 4 New Zealand and world no 5 Australia.
But coach Harendra Singh is confident of the Indian team doing well after they put on an impressive performance in South Korea.
“We have played with the same set of players for a long period so the players have formed a great understanding between themselves which was evident during our 2017 Asia Cup triumph,” Harendra said.
He further added, “The team also performed well in South Korea to beat a higher-ranked side and we will be looking to cause a few upsets and aim for the podium as the morale is high going into the prestigious Gold Coast event.”
Savita’s inclusion in the squad, was also welcomed by Harendra. The 27-year-old goalkeeper is currently undergoing a goalkeeping coach in Oman.
“Savita is an integral part of the team and brings a lot of experience in goal for us. She has played over 200 matches for her country and has performed in crucial matches of big tournaments. Therefore, it is good to have her back in the team as she helps the defensive and offensive players as well by imparting her expertise,” he said.
India’s first gold medal came at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in England which was followed by a silver in Australia, four years later where they lost to the hosts in the final. But they have only managed the fifth position in the 2010 and 2014 edition of the Commonwealth Games.
Skipper Rani however is confident of her team could emulating their success from 2002 and 2004.
“We go into the tournament in good form after winning the series in South Korea and while we have only finished fifth in the two previous occasions, this time we will look to finish on the podium as we have a great set of players with a mixture of experience and youth,” she said, before adding, “The team’s hunger to win will certainly be a key factor in us performing well at the Games.”
Squad: Savita (vice-captain), Rajani Etimarpu, Deepika, Sunita Lakra, Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Monika, Namita Toppo, Nikki Pradhan, Neha Goyal, Lilima Minz, Rani (captain), Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Navjot Kaur, Navneet Kaur and Poonam Rani.