Balanced India team to defend Asian title
EXPERIENCED defender Sunita Lakra will lead the 18-member Indian women’s squad at the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament in Donghae, South Korea, from May 13.
Sunita was handed the captain’s armband in the absence of Rani, who has been rested for the tournament, while goalkeeper Savita will shoulder the responsibility of vice-captain, Hockey India said in a statement.
India’s defence is full of experience with Deepika, Deep Grace Ekka, Suman Devi Thoudam and Gurjit Kaur, who doubles up as a drag flicker.
The midfield will feature Monika, Namita Toppo, Nikki Pradhan, Neha Goyal, Lilima Minz, Navjot Kaur and Udita.
India’s attack will be led by Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur and Anupa Barla.
The Indians, who are tournament defending champions, will be hoping to ride on the good show at the recent Commonwealth Games in Australia where they made the semifinals after 12 years, but eventually finished fourth.
In 2016, the Indian team defeated China in the final to win the previous edition of Asian Champions Trophy.
They followed this victory with a successful outing at the 2017 Asia Cup, where they beat China again in the final.
This year, the team will begin their campaign against Japan on May 13.
“We were very disappointed after losing the CWG semifinal by a close margin to Australia. We knew it was our best chance to make the medal round. Against England, too, we didn’t perform the way we had planned, but we carry a lot of confidence and heart from these matches against tougher teams like England and Australia,” Sunita said.
“While the team is of mostly experienced players, we also have talented youngsters eager to help us defend the title,” the 27-year-old added. – IANS
The squad: Goalkeepers: Savita (vice captain), Swati Defenders: Deepika, Sunita Lakra (captain), 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