Ritu Rani to lead India in CWG, Deepika to be her deputy

New Delhi: Ritu Rani will lead the Indian women’s hockey team, while Deepika will be her deputy in the Commonwealth Games scheduled to take place at Glasgow (Scotland) from 23 July to 3 August 2014.

Hockey India on announced the team on Wednesday. The team of 16 players were selected by Hockey India selectors B P Govinda, Harbinder Singh, Surinder Kaur along with Director High Performance Roelant Oltmans, Chief Coach Neil Hawgood and Scientific Advisor Matthew Tredrea during the selection trials conducted at NSNIS Patiala on June 28-29.

The team, post their exceptional performance against Malaysia, is in rhythm and is looking forward to the challenge of the Commonwealth Games. The women’s team will start their voyage by taking-on Canada in their first match which is listed for 24 July 2014 followed by matches against New Zealand on 27 July 2014, Trinidad and Tobago on 28 July 2014 and South Africa on 30 July 2014.

The preparatory camp of the Indian team is currently underway at NSNIS Patiala until the departure of the team on 9 July 2014 for Scotland to participate in the Commonwealth Games 2014.

Speaking on the selection, Chief Coach, Neil Hawgood said, “The team showcased good play, team spirit and a go getter spirit in the recently concluded Malaysian Tour. Each one of them had performed remarkably under the proficient leadership of Ritu Rani and has earned their position to make it to the team for the all important Commonwealth Games. I hope the team continues its form during the Commonwealth Games and make themselves a team where the opponents feel the pressure of meeting them on the field”.

Commenting ahead of the Commonwealth Games, Captain Ritu Rani said, “It’s an honour to captain a team which is capable of beating any team on any given day. The entire team is looking forward to the upcoming tournament and we are confident that we will win and get back laurels. We are ready and excited for our first clash against Canada in our opening match.”


List of Selected Players-


Goalkeepers

1- Savita (79 Caps)

Defenders

2- Deep Grace Ekka (57 Caps)

3- Deepika (126 Caps) Vice- Captain

4- Kirandeep Kaur (139 Caps)

5- Namita Toppo (46 Caps)

6- Jaspreet Kaur (57 Caps)


Midfielders

7- Ritu Rani (179 Caps) Captain

8- Sushila Chanu (71 Caps)

9- Lilima Minz (28 Caps)

10- Vandana Katariya (99 Caps)

11- Navjot Kaur (22 Caps)


Forwards

12- Rani (111 Caps)

13- Poonam Rani (113 Caps)

14- Ritusha Arya (15 Caps)

15- Anupa Barla (33 Caps)

16- Anuradha Devi (62 Caps)