Indian women’s hockey team to take on Argentina

This would be the first international exposure for the Indian eves post their historic qualification for the Rio Olympics next year. The match will be setting off the tour which includes matches against Australia and Argentina from November 23 to 29.

The 18-member India squad will be led by experienced campaigner Ritu Rani. The second in command will be Deepika Thakur. The Indian goalpost will be guarded by Savita and Rajani Etimarpu. The defence line will see vice-captain Deepika alongside Sunita Lakra, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Jaspreet Kaur and Deep Grace Ekka. The midfield will have captain Ritu Rani with Renuka Yadav, Lilima Minz, Navjot Kaur, Monika and Namita Toppo. Navneet Kaur, Preeti Dubey, Poonam Rani, Vandana Katariya and Anuradha Devi Thokchom will complete the forward line for team India.

“The girls have been working hard and our game today will be critical to help us understand the areas which still needs attention,” said Neil Hawgood, chief coach, Indian Women’s hockey Team. “We have an experienced captain and the girls have been together for quite some time which is a huge advantage. The qualifications for the Olympics have been a boost and we will be playing in similar conditions to that of Rio which will only prepare us for the future,” he added.

The qualifications for the Olympics have been a boost and we will be playing in similar conditions to that of Rio which will only prepare us for the future,” he added. The Indian Women’s team has been on a high this year winning the second round of the Hockey World League earlier this year which was held in Delhi. The team gained 5th position in the Hockey World League Semi Final by the virtue of which they qualified for the Rio Olympics for the first time in 36 years.