Hockey India today named the 18-member Indian women’s team, including four from Odisha for the Gold Coast 2018 XXI Commonwealth Games to begin on April 4. The Odisha players are: Sunita Lakra, Deep Grace Ekka, Lilima Minz and Namita Toppo.

The Indian team is grouped in Pool A along with Malaysia, Wales, England and South Africa and will begin their campaign on April 5 against Wales. India will be led by ace striker Rani while experienced goalkeeper Savita will shoulder the duties of vice-captain.

The Indian team is currently ranked No. 10 in the world and will face stiff competition from higher ranked teams such as World No. 2 England, World No. 4 New Zealand and World No. 5 hosts Australia.

The Indian Women’s Hockey team infamously won the Gold Medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in England after defeating the hosts 3-2 after extra-time in the Final match, and won the Silver Medal in the subsequent 2006 Commonwealth Games in Australia as they lost in the Final to the hosts. However, the team has only managed to finish 5th in the 2010 and 2014 editions of the quadrennial tournament.

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