India eves train eyes on Tokyo 2020, squad announced for Test Event

Hockey India have named their 18-member Women’s squad which will take to the field for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Test Event scheduled to commence on 17th August. Most of the established players have retained their spots, with ace forward Rani Rampal continuing her captaincy responsibilities.

Two changes

Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne has opted to make only two changes to the squad that participated in the FIH Women’s Series Finals Hiroshima 2019, with Sunita Lakra and Jyoti missing out. In their place, the selectors have decided to pick youngsters Sharmila Devi and Reena Khokhar. The latter will be making her comeback to the Indian team following an injury while Devi earns her maiden call-up to the national side.

India, who are currently ranked 10th in the FIH Rankings, will begin their campaign in this Olympic Test Event with a match against hosts Japan, followed by one against the second-ranked team Australia, before concluding the group stage games with a clash against China.

"We are looking forward to playing three top countries at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 Test Event as I rate them all highly. We have selected a squad of 18 players where only 16 players will be allowed to play in accordance to the Olympic standards,” said Coach Marijne in a media statement.

“I will be very interested to see how we fare against these countries, and what we need to improve for the FIH Olympic Qualifiers because everything that we do will be focused on that. We will be learning good lessons in this tour regardless of whatever happens," added Marijne.

Indian Women's Hockey Squad:

Savita (GK-Vice Captain), Rajani Etimarpu (GK), Deep Grace Ekka, Reena Khokhar, Gurjit Kaur, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Salima Tete, Nisha, Nikki Pradhan, Monika, Lilima Minz, Neha Goyal, Rani (Captain), Navneet Kaur, Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Navjot Kaur, Sharmila Devi.