Fresh from a three-week break after a historic Olympic appearance in Rio de Janeiro, the Indian women's hockey team regrouped for the national camp in Bhopal. The Blueskirts will be participating at the 4th Asian Champions Trophy in Singapore next month.
First introduced in 2010 to create an opportunity for teams to gather more high-level competition experience, the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy has taken place three times so far, for the last time in 2013. India finished as the runners-up after going down to Japan in the final.
Former captain Ritu Rani, the most experienced women's player who was dropped for the Summer Games under controversial circumstances, makes a return to the squad. The Sushila Chanu-led side finished their six-team Pool B campaign with a single point after drawing against Japan.
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“The Olympics was a major exposure for the players and they know now what it takes to be in the top league and play at the highest level. We take this as a positive learning and will work towards improving on our basics and further develop the game ahead of what promises to be a grueling season for the team. The girls will come back fresh from a three week break and will be vying to play some good hockey," said chief Coach Neil Hawgood .
Goalkeepers: Rajani Etimarpu, Savita, Sonal Minz
Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, Deepika, Sunita Lakra, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Hnialum Lal Ruat Feli, Namita Toppo, Rukmani Dodray
Midfielders: Ritu Rani, Lilima Minz, Navjot Kaur, Monika, Renuka Yadav, Lily Chanu Mayengbam, Nikki Pradhan, Narinder Kaur, Lalhlunmawii, Navdeep Kaur
Forwards: Rani, Poonam Rani, Vandana Katariya, Anuradha Devi Thockchom, Preeti Dubey, Sonika, Anupa Barla, Jyoti Gupta, Punam Barla.
