Women’s hockey squad leaves for Madrid

New Delhi, June 9: The Indian womens hockey squad left for Madrid on Friday to play five matches against hosts Spain starting June 12 as part of their preparations for next month's World Cup in London.

India's ace striker and skipper Rani Rampal, who is back in the squad after being rested for the recently-held 5th Women's Asian Champions Trophy in South Korea where the team won a silver medal emphasised that this tournament will be a good platform for the youngsters aspiring to make it to the squad for the World Cup.

"The youngsters did really well in the Asian Champions Trophy and in Spain matches if they can have a consistent performance then they stand a good chance to draw the national selectors attention ahead of the much-important World Cup," expressed Rani.

Rani insisted that travelling with a 20-member squad will also ensure that the players are fresh for the tournament next month where they will begin their campaign against hosts and Olympic Champions England. IANS