Ritu to lead Indian team in Asia Cup

Ritu Rani will lead an 18-member hockey squad for the eight Women’s Asia Cup at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia September 21-27.

Midfielder Chanchan Devi Thokchom will be Rani’s deputy.

Hockey India selectors BP Govinda, Surinder Kaur, Mamta Kharab, chief coach Neil Hawgood, Coach I S Gill and scientific advisor Matthew Tredrea, alongwith Government Observer Harbinder Singh selected the team and six standbys during the selection trials conducted at NSNIS Patiala on August 30 and 31.

The senior women team camp is currently underway and commenced at NSNIS, Patiala from 8 August.

India is placed in Pool A with China, hosts Malaysia and Hong Kong China while Korea, Japan, Kazakhstan and Chinese Taipei are placed in Pool B.
India will open their campaign against Hong Kong China on September 21 followed by China (September 22) and hosts Malaysia (September 24).    

The Asia Cup is the continental qualification tournament for the FIH Women’s World Cup 2014 to be played in The Hague, The Netherlands from May 31 to June 14, 2014.

The team will depart for Malaysia on September 16.

Team: Goalkeepers: Rajani Etimarpu, Savita.

Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, Joydeep Kaur, Kirandeep Kaur, Sunita Lakra, Deepika, Namita Toppo, P Sushila Chanu, MN Ponnamma.

Midfielders: Ritu Rani (captain), Chanchan Devi Thokchom (vice-captain), Soundarya Yendala, Lily Chanu. Forwards: Poonam Rani, Rani, Vandana Katariya, Anuradha Devi Thokchom.
Standbys: Sanarik Chanu, Asunta Lakra, Monika Malik, Navjot Kaur, Lilima Minz, Anupa Barla.