Hockey India today named Odisha defender Sunita Lakra as the vice-captain of a 20-member Indian Women’s Hockey Team for the forthcoming Korea Tour between March 3 to 12 where they will play five matches against the hosts at the Jinchun National Athletic Centre, Jinchun, Korea.

Three more players from Odisha have been included in the squad and they are: Deep Grace Ekka, Namita Toppo and Lilima Minz. The team for the season opener will be captained by ace striker Rani. With celebrated goalkeeper Savita rested for the Tour, Rajani Etimarpu will be joined by debut player Swati to guard the Indian goalpost in Korea.

The defence will see experienced Deepika, who was out of action following a knee surgery last year, make a comeback. She will be joined by Suman Devi Thoudam, Deep Grace Ekka, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam and Gurjit Kaur who will double up as dragflicker.

Monika, Namita Toppo, Nikki Pradhan, Neha Goyal, Udita and Lilima Minz will form the midfield while Rani, Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Navjot Kaur, Navneet Kaur and Poonam Rani, who is also returning to squad after long injury haul, will form India’s attack.

The Korea Tour will be Indian Team’s first event after their historic Asia Cup success where they beat China 5-4 in a penalty shootout to lift the title in November last year.  “Doing well in the season’s first event is always important to gain confidence and momentum for the rest of the year. Also, Korea Tour will help us analyze the areas that require improvement ahead of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games where we aim to finish on the podium,” expressed Chief Coach Harendra Singh.

INDIAN WOMEN TEAM:
Goalkeepers: Rajani Etimarpu, Swati
Defenders: Deepika, Sunita Lakra (VC), Deep Grace Ekka, Suman Devi Thoudam, Gurjit Kaur, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam
Mid-fielders: Monika, Namita Toppo, Nikki Pradhan, Neha Goyal, Lilima Minz, Udita
Forwards: Rani (C), Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Navjot Kaur, Navneet Kaur, Poonam Rani.