Ritu to lead India in World League Round 2

New Delhi - Ritu Rani will lead the 18-member squad while Chanchan Devi will be her deputy in the 18-member women’s hockey team for the Hero Hockey World League Round 2 to be played at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here Feb 18-24.

The team was selected after trials in Patiala held Jan 19. It was attended by Hockey India Selectors Balbir Singh and Surinder Kaur along with government observer Harbinder Singh and chief coach Neil Hawgood. The camp is in progress since Jan 4 in Patiala.

Besides India (world ranking 12), the other participating teams are Japan (9), Russia (20), Malaysia (22), Kazakhstan (33) and Fiji (59).

The inaugural match of the league will be played between Japan and Fiji, Feb 18. Indian eves will take on Kazakhstan in their first match Feb 18, followed by Malaysia (19 Feb), Fiji (21 Feb), Japan (22 Feb) and Russia (24 Feb).

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Yogita Bali, Savita

Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, Jaspreet Kaur, Joydeep Kaur, Kirandeep Kaur

Midfielders: Ritu Rani (captain), Chanchan Devi (vice-captain), Namita Toppo, Vandana Katariya, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lily Chanu Mayengbam

Forwards: Poonam Rani, Soundarya Yendala, Anupa Barla, Rani, Navjot Kaur, Lilima Minz