Rani to lead Indian women’s hockey team in Asian Games

New Delhi, July 6: Striker Rani will lead an 18-member women’s squad for the 18th Asian Games to begin from August 18 in Jakarta, Hockey India announced on Friday.

Goalkeeper Savita has been named the vice captain and she will be joined by Rajani Etimarpu at the goalpost for the prestigious event where India will vie for the gold to earn a direct qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

India’s defence will feature the experienced Deep Grace Ekka, Sunita Lakra, Deepika, Reena Khokhar and dragflicker Gurjit Kaur while the team’s midfield will include Namita Toppo, Lilima Minz, Monika, Udita, Nikki Pradhan and Neha Goyal.

The forward-line will be led by the skipper Rani who has over 200 international caps for India. She will be ably-supported by Vandana Katariya who also completed 200 international caps for India at the recently held Spain Tour. IANS