Harendra stresses on speed and agility

Hockey India on Wednesday named 34 players for the women's national camp beginning at the Sports Authority of India, Bengaluru, from February 16. The players will report to chief coach Harendra Singh, who emphasised on the need for speed and agility ahead of a busy year.

"As 2018 is extremely important with mega-events in the pipeline, it is necessary for the team to stay fit and injury-free but at the same time, they also need to be fast and agile. Keeping this in mind we will have a series of classes and sessions to guide players and educate them on the  significance of fitness and achieving our target in major competitions," said Harendra.

After ending the year 2017 by winning the Women's Asia Cup in Japan, the Indian team will begin their campaign this year with a  tour of South Korea, scheduled on March 3–12. They will play five matches against the hosts at Jinchun National Athletic Centre, Jinchun, Korea.

In May, the Indian team will return to Korea for the Asian Champions Trophy title. "The Korea Tour is important ahead of the Commonwealth Games as we want to implement a few combinations and get some good match practice. With the 5th Women's Asian Champions Trophy being held in Korea, it is good to get used to the playing conditions in the country. Competing against the home team ahead of a big competition is always good," said Harendra.

The squad:  Goalkeepers: Savita, Rajani Etimarpu, Swati.

Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, P Sushila Chanu, Sunita Lakra, Gurjit Kaur, Hnialum Lal Ruat Feli, Navdeep Kaur, Rashmita Minz, Neelu Dadiya.  

Midfielders: Namita Toppo, Nikki Pradhan, Deepika, Karishma Yadav, Renuka Yadav, Navjot Kaur, Monika, Lilima Minz, Neha Goyal, Udita, M Lily Chanu, Nilanjali Rai, Suman Devi Thoudam.

Forwards: Vandana Katariya, Preeti Dubey, Reena Khokhar, Anupa Barla, Sonika, Lalremsiami Poonam Rani, Navneet Kaur, Navpreet Kaur.