Vandana to lead India at women’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey

Sushila Chanu, India’s captain at Rio, has been rested for the Oct 29-Nov 6 competition that will feature the continent’s five best teams – defending champion Japan, China, Korea, Malaysia alongside India. Chanu sits out following a flare up of an old knee injury.

“Though the Olympics could have ended better for the girls, they are high on confidence as they got to see what it really takes to play at the highest level and are vying to showcase top quality hockey during the Asian Champions Trophy,” chief coach Neil Hawgood told a media conference.

Indian eves fared poorly in the group phase at Rio after returning to women’s Olympic hockey for the first time since 1980.

“I feel honoured to lead the team as they are a great bunch and we understand each other’s weak and strong points,” said skipper Katariya. “Rio was a great experience and there is a lot of scope for us to improve and I feel this tournament will help us understand where we stand and how we can improve our game as a team as well as individually.”

Team:-Goalkeepers: Savita, Rajani Etimarpu; Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, Renuka Yadav, Sunita Lakra, Hnialum Lal Ruatfeli, NamitaToppo; Midfielders: Nikki Pradhan, Navjot Kaur, Monika, Rani Rampal, Deepika, NavdeepKaur; Forwards: Poonam Rani, Anuradha Devi, Vandana Katariya, Preeti Dubey, Punam Barla.