CHENNAI: Former skipper Ritu Rani, who was dropped before the Olympics, is back in the scheme of things as Hockey India announced the squad for the upcoming Women’s World League Round 2, beginning in Canada from April 1.
She was removed from the Olympics-bound squad after a disagreement with then coach Neil Hawgood but is now back in favour.
“I am very happy and excited to be back in the national camp,” she said. “My family is extremely supportive of me playing hockey and they really encouraged me to pursue the sport even after marriage.”
The women’s team, who has a new chief coach in Marijne Sjoerd, are fresh off blanking Belarus 5-0 in a Test series.
Belarus, Canada, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay, and Chile are the other teams in the tournament.
Squad: Goalkeepers: Savita, Rajani Etimarpu; Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, Sunita Lakra, Gurjit Kaur, Renuka Yadav, Lalhlunmawii; Midfielders: Deepika, Navjot Kaur, Ritu Rani, Monika, Lily Chanu Mayengbam, Namita Toppo; Forwards: Rani, Vandana Katariya, Poonam Rani, Sonika, Anupa Barla.