Hockey India today named the 18-member Indian Women`s hockey team, including four from Odisha for the 18th Asian Games 2018, scheduled to begin in Jakarta and Palembang on August 18, 2018. The four Odisha players are: Deep Grace Ekka, Sunita Lakra, Namita Toppo and Lilima Minz.

The team will be led by forward Rani Rampal who had successfully led the team to victory in the 9th Women`s Asia Cup victory last year. Ace goalkeeper Savita has been named the vice-captain for the prestigious event where India will vie for the gold to earn a direct qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

"We have a good mixture of experienced and young players. I`m happy to note that each one of them have experienced what it is like to play high level matches," said Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne. He further added that the team`s performance at the forthcoming Women`s World Cup in London, starting on July 21, 2018 will have an impact ahead of the 18th Asian Games.

INDIAN WOMEN TEAM:

Goalkeepers: Savita (vice-capt), Rajani Etimarpu
Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, Sunita Lakra, Deepika, Gurjit Kaur, Reena Khokhar
Midfielders: Namita Toppo, Lilima Minz, Monika, Udita, Nikki Pradhan, Neha Goyal
Forwards: Rani Rampal (capt), Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur, Navjot Kaur.