Four Odisha Players Included in Indian Squad for Donghae Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2021

New Delhi: Four Odisha players have been included in the 18-member Indian hockey squad for the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in Donghae, South Korea from December 5-12.

The Odia players are Deep Grace Ekka, Namita Toppo, Lilima Minz and Mariana Kujur.

India begins their campaign on the opening day and will battle it out against China, Korea, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia in the single-pool tournament for top honours.

The Indian team will see Savita, who was named the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year, Captain the side along with experienced defender Deep Grace Ekka who will be her deputy. The team includes goalkeeper Rajani Etimarpu and defenders Udita, Nikki Pradhan, Gurjit Kaur, who were all part of the Tokyo Olympics squad. The midfield includes Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Nisha, Monika, Neha, Jyoti who played for India in their historic fourth place finish at the Tokyo Olympics. Namita Toppo who was the alternate player at the Tokyo Olympics as well as her state-mate from Odisha Lilima Minz are also part of the team. The forward line will see two-time Olympian Vandana Katariya lead the charge with Navneet Kaur who was part of the Tokyo Olympic squad. Forwards Rajwinder Kaur, Mariana Kujur and Sonika too have been named in the team.

While India will play their opening match against Thailand on 5 December, they play Malaysia on 6 December and hosts and defending Champions Korea in their third match on 8 December. India plays China on 9 December and Japan on 11 December. The Final will take place on 12 December between the topper of the pool and the team that finished second in the pool.

In the previous edition held in 2018, India finished runners-up behind Korea.

Indian Women’s Team:

Goalkeepers

1. Savita (C)
2. Rajani Etimarpu

Defenders

3. Deep Grace Ekka (VC)
4. Udita
5. Nikki Pradhan
6. Gurjit Kaur

Midfielders

7. Nisha
8. Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam
9. Namita Toppo
10. Monika
11. Neha
12. Jyoti
13. Lilima Minz

Forwards

14. Navneet Kaur
15. Vandana Katariya
16. Rajwinder Kaur
17. Mariana Kujur
18. Sonika