Doubts cloud as Women leaves for twin tour

16th Mar 2009: A 22-member Indian women team has left for the twin tour of Japan and China today in the night.

Dropping of two prominent seniors, captain Surinder Kaur and team’s spokesperson Dipika Murthy, has raised doubts as to the intention behind the move.

Unfortuntely, the team’s departure has been kept a closely guarded secret, the team list is yet to be officially released by Hockey India.

It is however learnt that India will play four test matches in each country. Kim Sang Ryul is the coach of Chinese women team, who co-ordianted the tour. Kim has moved from China’s men’s team to women team last year, and under him the women won the Asia Cup, defeating India in the Bangkok final.

It is surprising that Hockey India had no time to relese the team list. May be the adhoc organization wanted to keep sacking of two seniors — Deepika Murthy and Surinder Kaur –under carpet. Both the players are fit unlike Mamta Kharab, who is injured and had to forgo the tour.

There is no reason for dropping these two players except penalizing for the silent protest they had a month ago — wearing black arm band during camp days demanding gender parity in terms of payments.

This team cannot be termed experimental or developmental because it has such seniors as Deepika Thakur, Saba Anjum, Subhadra Pradhan and Ritu Rani. Therefore, it is revenge in action, which needs to be explored further.

Meanwhile, the team that has left has 8 supporting staff including chief caoch MK Kaushik, Vasu Tapiliyal, Sandeep Somesh, two videographes, doctor and physio Vikas Dhawan.

The team: Yogita Bali, Rajni, Jagdeep Kaur, Subhadra Pradhan, Priti Kiro, Jaspreet Kaur, Iti Srivastava, Deepika Thakur, Sumita Lakra, DS Ranjita, Ritu Rani, Ralte, Mukhta Barla, Kirandeep Kaur, Saba Anjum, Monika, Chanchal Devi, Rosind Dung Dung, Rani Ramphal, Soundarya.