Hockey India announced the 18-member Indian team for Asian Champions Trophy women’s hockey tournament 2018. Experienced defender Sunita Lakra will be leading defending champions India , who has been rested for the tournament. The tournament will be held at Donghae City, Korea from May 13.
Goalkeeper Savita will be the vice-captain of the team.
Defense: Deepika Thakur, Deep Grace Ekka, Suman Devi Thoudam and Gurjit Kaur will guard India’s fortress.
Midfield: Monika, Namita Toppo, Nikki Pradhan, Neha Goyal, Lilima Minz, Navjot Kaur and Udita will command the central turf.
Forward: Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur and Anupa Barla will be the line offense for the Indian team.
Women’s team are coming from a fourth position finish at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games, where they defeated Olympic champions England in a group stage clash. Indian women’s will be eager to ride on the good show from Gold Coast to defend their title at ACT.
In 2016, the Indian team had defeated China in the final to win the previous edition of Asian Champions Trophy. The girls followed up this victory with a successful outing at the 2017 Asia Cup where they beat China again in the summit clash.
This year, the team will begin its campaign against Japan on May 13.
After the shuffling of coaches by Hockey India, it is expected to be Dutchman Sjoerd Marijne’s first assignment with the team. Read| Hockey India announce Harendra Singh as the head coach of Indian men’s hockey team, Marijne back with women’s team.
“We were very disappointed after losing the semi-final in CWG by a close margin to hosts Australia. We knew it was our best chance to make the medal round,” said Sunita.
“But we have gained a lot of confidence and heart from these matches against tougher teams like England and Australia. While this team is of mostly experienced players, we also have talented youngsters who are eager to contribute to the team’s success and help us defend the title,” she added.
Indian team for Asian Champions Trophy women’s hockey tournament 2018
Goalkeepers: Savita, Swati.
Defenders: Deepika, Sunita Lakra (C), Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Suman Devi Thoudam.
Midfielders: Monika, Namita Toppo, Nikki Pradhan, Neha Goyal, Lilima Minz, Navjot Kaur, Udita.
Forwards: Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur, Anupa Barla
