The Hindu: Rani Rampal named captain for Korea tour
Uthra Ganesan
Deepika and Poonam return after a long injury lay-off
The Indian women’s hockey team would begin its preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Games with a five-match tour of Korea at the Jinchun National Athletic Centre starting March 3.
The 20-member squad for the same was named on Friday with seasoned goalkeeper Savita Punia finally being rested.
Captained by Rani Rampal, the squad also saw the return of experienced defender Deepika Thakur and striker Poonam Rani after a long injury lay-off.
“I had lost all hope of returning ever after the injury, it was that serious. I still have a rod in my hand and the recovery was long and painful.
“I stopped socialising, went off all the groups. But my family and teammates helped me overcome. During rehabilitation here, I would watch P.R. Sreejesh sweating it out in the gym and he would encourage me a lot,” Poonam told The Hindu.
The squad: Goalkeepers: Rajani Etimarpu, Swati. Defenders: Deepika Thakur, Sunita Lakra, Deep Grace Ekka, Suman Devi Thoudam, Gurjit Kaur, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam.
Midfielders: Monika, Namita Toppo, Nikki Pradhan, Neha Goyal, Lilima Minz, Udita. Forwards: Rani, Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Navjot Kaur, Navneet Kaur and Poonam Rani.