Rampal to lead women’s team at Hockey World Cup
NEW DELHI: Forward Rani Rampal was on Friday named as the captain of India’s 18-member squad for the women’s hockey World Cup to be played in London next month.
Hockey India announced the squad for the prestigious tournament which is slated to begin on July 21. India have been placed in Pool B along side hosts and world No 2 England, world No 7 USA and world No16 Ireland.
Goalkeeper Savita has been named as Rampal’s deputy. The tournament will also witness the return of goalkeeper Rajani Etimarpu after having rested for the Spain tour.
Squad: Goalkeepers: Savita (vicecaptain), Rajani Etimarpu; Defenders: Sunita Lakra, Deep Grace Ekka, Deepika, Gurjit Kaur, Reena Khokhar; Midfielders: Namita Toppo, Lilima Minz, Monika, Neha Goyal, Navjot Kaur, Nikki Pradhan; Forwards: Rani (Captain), Vandana Katariya, Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Udita.
BELGIUM THRASH PAK
BREDA: Belgium boosted their hopes of claiming bronze at the Champions Trophy after beating Pakistan 4-2 in Breda, the Netherlands on Friday. The win moved Belgium to fourth place.
INDIA U-16 TEAM TO PLAY SEVEN MATCHES
NEWDELHI: In preparation for the AFC U-16 Championships, the Indian junior team will play seven international matches on a three-nation tour of China, Thailand and Malaysia. India open against China on July 3 followed by matches against Thailand on July 5, and DPR Korea on July 7. They play Thailand later in the month in addition to matches with two local clubs before a friendly against the Malaysian U-16 team.