Rani stars in India’s 31 victory against Belarus

India’s women’s hockey team beat Belarus 3-1 to clinch their third successive win in the five-Test Series here on Sunday.

The warm-up tournament ahead of their Hockey World League Round 2 tournament in Canada in April.

After a goalless first quarter, it was Belarus who took the lead when their skipper Ryta Batura scored in the 24th minute through a penalty corner.

But the visitors failed to hold on to the lead as India skipper Rani scored two back-to-back field goals in the 35th and 39th minute to put India in command with a 2-1 lead.

Deepika scored India’s third goal in the 42nd minute to take a 3-1 lead while the defenders did well to keep thevisitors from scoring in the final quarter to ensure a win.

Leander Paes’ place in Indian Davis Cup team will be up for discussion when the AITA Selection Committee meets Monday to pick the squad for the upcoming Asia/Oceania Zone tie against Uzbekistan. The selectors will also deliberate whether to go with two singles players or opt for three. Saketh Myneni, who pulled out of the New Zealand tie inthe last minute, and Sumit Nagal have made themselves unavailable due to injury issues. Ramkumar Ramanathan, Yuki Bhambri and Rohan Bopanna would therefore be automatic selections due to their superior rankings.

In case the committee decides to pick three singles players, Bopanna’s berth is certain since he is the best-placed Indian in the world rankings at number 24.

If ranking is the criteria, Paes will certainly lose his place in the side since he is placed fourth at number 62 with both Divij Sharan (54) and Purav Raja (56) now ahead of him.

There is also a feeling that if both Bopanna and Paes are picked, the team will be left with only Yuki and Ramkumar to compete in the singles. If there is an injury breakdown, neither Bopanna nor Paes would be able to compete in singles.

The Indian men’s rugby team, led by skipper Gautam Dagar, defeated Pakistan 14-12 to secure the 7th rank at the Asia Men’s Rugby Sevens Trophy held at Aspire Rugby Field in Doha, Qatar.