India on Thursday named an 18-member girls's hockey crew for the upcoming Commonwealth Video games, with star striker Rani Rampal not noted but once more for failing to regain full health after an harm.
The aspect will likely be captained by goalkeeper Savita Punia whereas skilled defender Deep Grace Ekka will likely be her deputy within the Birmingham CWG, to be held from July 28 to August 8. The duo may also take the identical roles within the World Cup, to be co-hosted by the Netherlands and Spain from July 1 to 17.
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There are solely three modifications within the CWG squad from the World Cup crew. Rajani Etimarpu was named instead of Bichu Devi Kharibam as quantity two goalkeeper whereas World Cup crew member Sonika (midfielder) was not noted from the CWG squad. Ahead Sangita Kumari, who was named as one of many substitute gamers for the World Cup, figured within the CWG crew as a full member.
India have been positioned in pool A together with England, Canada, Wales and Ghana. They are going to start their marketing campaign on July 29 in opposition to Ghana.
Rani, who led the Indian girls to a historic fourth-place end on the Tokyo Olympics, was picked for the current FIH Professional League matches in Belgium and Netherlands after recovering from a hamstring harm.
She did not characteristic within the first 4 video games of the aspect's European leg of Professional League, elevating doubts about her health. Ultimately, it value her a spot within the World Cup-bound squad.
Within the 2014 Commonwealth Video games in Gold Coast, India had completed fourth after shedding to England within the bronze medal match. Nonetheless, after a formidable marketing campaign of their maiden FIH Professional League the place they completed general third behind Argentina and the Netherlands, the Indian crew is in search of a podium end in Birmingham.
Talking concerning the crew choice, chief coach Janneke Schopman stated, "We've chosen an skilled aspect for the Commonwealth Video games and the gamers imagine they've a great shot at a medal this time.
"The crew is upbeat after a great outing within the FIH Professional League matches and perceive very nicely that the expectations are additionally excessive.
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"We might have completed our World Cup marketing campaign solely days earlier than the CWG so it was very important for us to choose a bodily match crew because the restoration time between the 2 occasions is nearly 10 days," added Schopman.
Indian Girls's Hockey Group for CWG: Goalkeepers: Savita (c), Rajani Etimarpu Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka (vc), Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita Midfielders: Nisha, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Monika, Neha, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur, Salima Tete Forwards: Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur, Sharmila Devi, Sangita Kumari. |
