Times of India: Indian eves depart to participate in Asian Champions Trophy

NEW DELHI: The Indian women’s hockey team, led by forward Vandana Katariya, on Friday departed for Singapore to participate at the Asian Champions Trophy that will get underway from October 29.

The squad has been training at the SAI centre in Bhopal and will be competing at the tournament featuring continent’s five best teams — Japan, China, Korea, Malaysia and India following a round-robin format, followed by the bronze and gold medal matches.

Besides Katariya, defenders Sunita Lakra, Namita Toppo and midfielder Rani Rampal will add the experience to the squad.

Coach Neil Hawgood said, “After the Olympics, this is a key step to ensure we are in good form, and as a team we can keep improving our standards constantly. We have had a good training camp and are now looking forward to do well in the Asian Champions Trophy.”