BHUBANESWAR 06-Jun-2014 112
Five from Odisha have been included in the 21-member Indian women`s hockey squad for the upcoming tour of Malaysia, which is scheduled to take place from June 7 to 17 as part of preparations for the Commonwealth and Asian Games. The five are: defenders Sunita Lakra, Namita Toppo and Deep Grace Ekka; midfielder Lilima Minz and forward Anupa Barla.
Led by midfielder Ritu Rani India will be playing a six-match test series in Kuala Lumpur, the last one in the build-up to the CWG in Glasgow, which will be organised from July 23 to August 3. The squad was selected by Hockey India selectors B P Govinda, Harbinder Singh, Surinder Kaur along with chief coach Neil Hawgood and scientific advisor Matthew Tredrea.
Selection trials for the same were conducted at NSNIS Patiala on May 23 and 24. The preparatory camp of the senior women`s team for Commonwealth Games and Asian Games 2014 is already in progress at NSNIS Patiala. Defender Deepika will be the vice-captain for the Malaysian tour.
INDIA SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Yogita Bali, Savita. Defenders: Deepika (vice-captain), Kirandeep Kaur, Sunita Lakra, Namita Toppo, Jaspreet Kaur, Gurjit Kaur, Asunta Lakra, Deep Grace Ekka. Midfielders: Ritu Rani (captain), Sushila Chanu, Lilima Minz, Vandana Katariya, Amandeep Kaur, Navjot Kaur. Forwards: Rani, Poonam Rani, Ritusha Arya, Anupa Barla, Anuradha Devi.
TOUR SCHEDULE:
First match: June 9
Second match: June 10
Third match: June 12
Fourth match: June 14
Fifth match: June 15
Sixth match: June 17
