Ritu Rani to lead Indian eves in Hockey World League Round 2

The team was handpicked today following a selection trial at Netaji Subash National Institute of Sports in Patiala on January 19, which was witnessed by Hockey India selectors Balbir Singh, Surinder Kaur, Government observer Harbinder Singh and chief coach Neil Hawgood.

Chanchan Devi has been named as the vice-captain of the team, according to a HI statement.

Keeping in mind the preparations for the tournament, the Indian eves have already started their training camp from January 4 and it will continue till the commencement of the event, which is a part of the qualification process for the FIH Women's World Cup 2014 to be held in The Hague, Netherlands.

Apart from India (FIH World Ranking 12), other participating nations in the six-team tournament are Japan (9), Russia (20), Malaysia (22), Kazakhstan (33) and Fiji (59).

The Indian eves will open their campaign against Kazakhstan on February 18, followed by matches against Malaysia (Feb 19), Fiji (Feb 21), Japan (Feb 22) and Russia (Feb 24).

Squad:

Goal-keepers: Yogita Bali, Savita.

Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, Jaspreet Kaur, Joydeep Kaur, Kirandeep Kaur.

Midfielders: Ritu Rani (captain), Chanchan Devi (vice-captain), Namita Toppo, Vandana Katariya, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lily Chanu Mayengbam.

Forwards: Poonam Rani, Soundarya Yendala, Anupa Barla, Rani, Navjot Kaur, Lilima Minz.