NEW DELHI, April 5: Star striker Rani Rampal on Tuesday returned to the national side after a lengthy injury lay-off as India on Tuesday named its women’s hockey squad for the upcoming FIH Pro League tie against Netherlands.
The squad also includes two new faces in midfielder Mahima Choudhary and striker Aishwarya Rajesh Chavan, who will make their senior team debut in the double leg tie to be held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Friday and Saturday. Rani, who led India to a historic fourth place finish in the Olympics last year, has not played for the national team since the Tokyo Games due to several injuries, mainly hamstring problem. Goalkeeper Savita will continue to lead India and will be assisted by Deep Grace Ekka.
“It’s great to be back on the field for our Hockey Pro League games vs the Netherlands after the disappointment of England not being able to visit. With our juniors playing the World Cup we have the chance to use the depth of our core group and I am excited to potentially see some new faces on the field,” chief coach Janneke Schopman said.
Goalkeepers: Savita (Captain), Rajani Etimarpu.
Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka (Vice-Captain), Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Rashmita Minz, Suman Devi Thoudam.
Midfielders: Nisha, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur, Monika, Namita Toppa, Sonika, Neha, Mahima Choudhary.
Forwards: Aishwarya Rajesh Chavan, Navneet Kaur, Rajwinder Kaur, Rani Rampal, Mariana Kujur.
Standbys: Upasana Singh, Preeti Dubey, Vandana Katariya. (PTI)
