New Delhi, Jan 14: Star striker Rani Rampal will lead a 20-member Indian women's hockey team for the tour of New Zealand, beginning on January 25 in Auckland. According to the squad named by Hockey India, goalkeeper Savita will be Rani's deputy during the tour. The other players of the team are Rajini Etimarpu, Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Reena Khokhar, Salima Tete, Sushila Chanu, Nisha, Namita Toppo, Udita, Monika, Lilima Minz, Neha, Sonika, Sharmila Devi, Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Vandana Katariya and Navjot Kaur. Tokyo Olympics 2020: Will work hard for Summer Olympic, Says Rani Rampal.
India's first match of the tour is against the New Zealand Development squad on January 25, followed by games against the New Zealand women's team on January 27 and 29. The Indians will also play Great Britain on February 4 and then conclude the tour with another match against the New Zealand women's team on February 5.
India Announce Squad for New Zealand Tour
Three players from #Odisha - Deep Grace Ekka, Namita Toppo and Lilima Minz to represent the Indian Women's Hockey Team for New Zealand Tour. We are proud of you! #OdishaForHockey #Odisha2020 @TheHockeyIndia https://t.co/Btq56CZboh
— Odisha Sports (@sports_odisha) January 14, 2020
Speaking about the tour, India's chief coach Sjoerd Marijne said, "I want to use this tour to create more competition within this group. Although we are taking a 20-member team, in some matches we will use only 16 players because we play with 16 players at the Olympics and in some matches, we will play 18 members. "The players have to show their best and I want to see how they perform under pressure and stay in the right rhythm."
20-Member Squad for New Zealand Tour
Which #IndianEve will you be keeping an eye out for?#IndiaKaGame pic.twitter.com/1FcPZcnihI
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) January 14, 2020
He added that the matches against world number 5 Great Britain and world number 6 New Zealand will provide a great opportunity for the Indian team to showcase their fearless attitude.
The Team: Rani (captain), Savita (vice-captain), Rajini Etimarpu, Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Reena Khokhar, Salima Tete, Sushila Chanu, Nisha, Namita Toppo, Udita, Monika, Lilima Minz, Neha, Sonika, Sharmila Devi, Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Vandana Katariya, Navjot Kaur.
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