Surinder Kaur to lead India in women’s hockey World Cup

CHANDIGARH: Veteran goalkeeper Deepika Murthy, who missed the Asian Champions Trophy due to illness, has been included in the Indian women’s hockey team for the forthcoming World Cup, starting August 29 in Rosario (Argentina) and the Commonwealth Games.

Following selection trials held at NIS, Patiala, the teams for both events were declared on Friday. ForwardSurinder Kaur from Shahabad has been retained as captain.

The selection committee, comprising Col Balbir Singh, Ajit Pal Singh, Zafar Iqbal, Sita Mehta and Rupa Saini, announced the 18-member team for World Cup and 16-member squad for Commonwealth Games, to be held in Delhi from October 3 to 14. The coaching staff consists of Sandeep Somesh, Pritam Siwach, Sandeep Kaur and Mohd Khalid.

Arjuna awardee Surinder had led the team which won the Champions Challenge Trophy (2009), took silver in 2010 Asian Cup and also the recently concluded Asian Champions Trophy in which India won the bronze. Jaspreet Kaur, who was bestowed with the Arjuna award this year, also features in both squads.

Team: Surinder Kaur (C), Deepika Murthy, E Rajni, Binita Toppa, Subhadra Pradhan, Joydeep Kaur, Ritu Rani, Mukta P Barla, Kirandeep Kaur, Deepika Thakur, Saba Anjum Rani, Jasjeet Kaur, Chan Chan Devi, Poonam Rani, Asunta Lakra, Soundarya Yendala, Monika Bradan. Soundarya Yendala and Monika Bradan will represent India only in the World Cup.