HOCKEY ROUND-UP Sunita to lead in Asia tournament

Experienced defender Sunita Lakra was on Wednesday chosen to lead India’s title defence at the Asian Champions Trophy women’s hockey tournament.

Sunita was named captain of the 18-member side in the absence of regular skipper Rani Rampal, who has been rested. Goalkeeper Savita will be vice-captain for the tournament beginning at Donghae City, Korea, on May 13.

Defenders Deepika, Deep Grace Ekka, Suman Devi Thoudam and Gurjit Kaur, who also doubles up as a drag-flicker, will back a midfield marshalled by Monika, Namita Toppo, Nikki Pradhan, Neha Goyal, Lilima Minz, Navjot Kaur and Udita.

Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur and Anupa Barla are the forward line.

The team will be hoping to ride on the good show at the recent Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, where they entered the semi-finals after 12 years, eventually finishing fourth.

It will be Dutchman Sjoerd Marijne’s first assignment as head coach with the women’s team after being in charge of the senior men’s side for eight months.

Following a medalless Commonwealth Games show by the men’s team, Marijne was on Tuesday reassigned as women’s team coach, with Harendra moving the other way. Team: Goalkeepers: Savita, Swati. Defenders: Deepika, Sunita Lakra (capt), 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. JOAQUIM BACKS

HARENDRA PTI adds: Former coach Joaquim Carvalho said Harendra did not have enough time to fine-tune the men’s squad for tougher battles that lie ahead. “Harendra’s appointment as a coach is a good move... the only drawback is whether he will have enough time to prepare the team for the Asian Games,” Carvalho said on Wednesday.