Indian Express: India women’s hockey team profile

India women’s hockey team will be at the Olympics after a gap of 36 years.

India women’s hockey team will be at the Olympics after a gap of 36 years. It is seen as a big step in terms of growing hockey in India. Sushila Chanu will spearhead the team in the absence of Poonam Rani, who was dropped from the squad. Though it is a fairly experienced squad, tougher times await in Rio. They have to play out of their skins to reach the knockout stage. Their last competition before the Games was in USA where they managed to win a game and that should really boost their confidence. India face a tough group in Rio with pitted against them. Hockey has given India a lot to cheer about at Olympics and a good show from them in Rio will add to the legacy of the game and put women’s hockey on the forefront in the country.

Event: Women’s hockey

Event Schedule: The Indian women’s hockey team will start their campaign against Japan on August 7. The schedule is as follows:

India vs Japan – August 7
India vs Great Britain – August 9
India vs Australia – August 10
India vs Argentina – August 13

Qualification: A top 5 finish in qualifying tournaments and good results in past one year helped India secure a berth for Rio

Squad: Sushila Chanu (Captain and Defender), Navjot Kaur, Deep Grace Ekka, Monika, Nikki Pradhan, Anuradha Devi Thokchom, Savita, Poonam Rani, Vandana Katariya, Deepika (vice-captain), Namita Toppo, Renuka Yadav, Sunita Lakra, Rani Rampal, Preeti Dubey, Lilima Minz.

Coach: Neil Hawgood