Four from Orissa in India u-18 girls hockey squad

An 18-member Indian team, featuring four players from Orissa, is leaving New Delhi today to take part in the Under-18 Asia Cup for girls to be held at Shanghai, China from July 20 to 26, 2009. The four Orissa girls, who belong to Panposh Sports Hostel in Rourkela, include Suniti Kispotta, Sunita Lakra, Binita Kindo and Anupa Barla. According to chief coach GS Bhangu, the team has bright prospect to reach the semi-final stage. The team has just three players _ captain Amubi Devi, Sunita Lakra and Sushila Chanu _ with international experience. The girls prepared well at the National camp at the Sports Authority of India`s Netaji Subhash Sub-centre, Lucknow from June 6 to July 16. India is in Pool A along with China, Sri Lanka and Thailand, while the other pool consists of Japan, Pakistan and South Korea. India will take on Sri Lanka on July 20, China on 21st and Thailand on 23rd. Classification matches will be played from July 24 onwards. The final match is scheduled to be played on July 26. Indian team: Suniti Kispotta, Sanarik Chanu, Th. Pinky Devi, Apoorva Vishwakarma, Sunita Lakra, P Sushila Chanu, Jyoti Sharma, Ningomban Amubi Devi (captain), Monika, Jamila Bano, Pratibha Chaudhary, Binita Kindo, Anila Sosan Beck, Rajani, Kavita Vidyarthi, Anupa Barla, Lalrothuami, Ramngaihzuali. Officials: YS Chauhan (coach), Helan Soy (manager), IS Gill (physical trainer), Iksha Khare (physiotherapist), T Asha (umpire), Davinder Bhatia (judge).