New Delhi, 16 October 2017: Hockey India today announced the 18-member squad for the 9th Women’s Asia Cup 2017 which starts from 28th October 2017 in Kakamigahara City, Japan.

The team will be Captained by striker Rani while goalkeeper Savita will shoulder the duties of Vice-Captain.

The team selected for the upcoming Asia Cup has a total of five changes from their Europe Tour of Netherlands and Belgium. Experienced defender Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam makes a comeback into the team while forwards Navneet Kaur, Navjot Kaur and Sonika have also been included. Apart from the inclusions, the goal will be kept by Savita and Rajani Etimarpu while the defensive duties will be given to Deep Grace Ekka, Sunita Lakra, Suman Devi Thoudam and Gurjit Kaur. The midfield will feature Namita Toppo, Nikki Pradhan, Monika, Lilima Minz and Neha Goyal; as Rani, Vandana Katariya and Lalremsiami will feature in the forward line.

This will be the first assignment with the team for new Head Coach Harendra Singh as he looks towards a strong performance in Japan with qualification for next year’s Hockey Women’s World Cup London 2018 being his top priority. “We have a very good blend of youth and experience within our team which will help us in negating the tasks ahead of us at the Women’s Asia Cup. The team has played against higher ranked teams in the build-up to the tournament which has helped us in improving our game. We have made several minors adjustments and improvements in our game so that we don’t repeat unforced errors in our play. We will be aiming to win the Women’s Asia Cup 2017 in order to qualify for next year’s World Cup,” said Head Coach Harendra Singh.

Meanwhile Captain Rani is also confident that the team can perform well at Women’s Asia Cup. She said, “We have made improvements in our game wherever it was necessary. I feel the team is playing well as a unit and there is a good sense of cohesion in our squad. We are looking forward to performing well in Japan so that we can qualify for the World Cup.”

India have been placed in Pool A alongside China, Malaysia and Singapore and will start off their campaign at the Women’s Asia Cup 2017 against Singapore onSaturday, 28 October 2017 at 11.00hrs IST.

Ahead of their departure for Japan, the team will continue to train at SAI, Bengaluru until 23rd October, 2017.

Please find attached team photo and schedule of 9th Women’s Asia Cup 2017.

Squad:

GOALKEEPERS

1. Savita (VC)

2. Rajani Etimarpu

DEFENDERS

3. Deep Grace Ekka

4. Sunita Lakra

5. Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam

6. Suman Devi Thokam

7. Gurjit Kaur

MIDFIELDERS

8. Nikki Pradhan

9. Namita Toppo

10. Monika

11. Lilima Minz

12. Neha Goyal

FORWARDS

13. Rani (C)

14. Vandana Katariya

15. Lalremsiami

16. Sonika

17. Navneet Kaur

18. Navjot Kaur