Blue Warriors sign three former Indian players

KUALA LUMPUR: Blue Warriors have snapped up three former Indian internationals in their quest to win a title in the Malaysian Women’s Hockey League.

The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) team now look stronger after securing the services of former India captain Ritu Rani, forward Narender Kaur and midfielder Reena Rani.

Rani, who is from Haryana, is an experienced forward who scored eight goals to help India win the women’s Champions Challenge Two in Rusia in 2009.

She was appointed India captain in 2011 and she led India to the bronze medal in the 2014 Incheon Asian Games.

This is the first time Blue Warriors have roped in foreign players since the women’s league started in 2016.

Much of the credit for the effort to build a stronger team goes to DCP Datuk Shuhaily Mohd Zain, who was recently appointed the Hockey Convenor for PDRM.

“We have a balanced side and hopefully, we can win at least one title.

“We hope the Indian players will arrive soon as they await their visa approval. The league begins on Jan 18,” said Zolkhairi.

Blue Warriors coach Zolkhairi Ariffin said they would register the players at the managers’ meeting tomorrow.

Blue Warriors also have the services of three national players – goalkeeper Farah Ayuni Yahya and strikers, Norbaini Hashim and Nurhaslinda Said.

The team are featuring in the league for the third time. They finished runners-up in the inaugural league in 2016 but they went on to win the Vivian Soars Cup (knockout tournament).

Last year, Blue Warriors finished runners-up to double champions Terengganu Ladies Hockey team in both competitions.

Seven teams will play in the women’s league this season.

Joining Blue Warriors in the fray are Terengganu Ladies Hockey team, KL Wipers, PKS-Uniten-KPT, Penang Juniors, MSN Kedah and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM). Penang, MSN and UiTM are making their league debuts.