Hockey Women’s World Cup: Savita Punia to guide India’s 18-member squad, Rani misses out

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2 years ago

Hockey India on Tuesday, June 21 introduced an 18-member squad for the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup, which can be held within the Netherlands and Spain from July 1 to 17. Goalkeeper Savita Punia will lead the workforce and can be assisted by Deep Grace Ekka.

Rani Rampal, who led India within the Tokyo Olympics, made her much-awaited return from an extended harm lay-off towards Belgium within the FIH Pro League match in Antwerp in June however the star participant misses out from the World Cup squad after not recovering in time from harm rehabilitation.

The Indian squad squad consists of goalkeepers Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam. Defenders Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita have been named within the squad together with midfielders Nisha, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Monika, Neha, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur, Sonika and Salima Tete.

The ahead line options the very skilled Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur and Sharmila Devi whereas gifted younger stars Akshata Abaso Dhekale and Sangita Kumari have been named as alternative gamers.

Chief Coach Janneke Schopman stated India have picked the perfect squad for the World Cup and make clear the absence of Rani Rampal, who acquired her 250th cap towards Belgium earlier this month.

“We have chosen the best squad for the World Cup. It is a mix of experience and young talent who have shown great promise when they were given a chance against top teams in the FIH Pro League,”Schopman stated.

“Except Rani, who is still not fully recovered from injury rehabilitation, the team has all the players who were part of the Olympic campaign with inclusions like Jyoti and Sonika who have done well in their roles when given a chance.

“The workforce is completely excited and keen to start their World Cup marketing campaign and we are going to make the most of the subsequent ten days to effective tune our recreation foundation evaluation from Pro League performances,” he added.

India grouped in Pool B together with England, New Zealand and China will start their marketing campaign on July 3 towards nemesis England, towards whom they misplaced the bronze medal play-offs on the Tokyo Olympics final yr. In the earlier version of the World Cup in 2018, India misplaced their quarter-final to Ireland, who ultimately went on to win the silver medal.

India Squad for World Cup

Goalkeepers:

1. Savita (C)

2. Bichu Devi Kharibam

Defenders:

3.Deep Grace Ekka (VC)

4.Gurjit Kaur

5.Nikki Pradhan

6.Udita

Midfielders:

7. Nisha

8. Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam