Hockey India names 22 players for senior women's camp

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New Delhi, Oct 12 (IANS) Hockey India on Saturday named 22 players for the senior women's national coaching camp which begins on Sunday at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar ahead of next month's FIH Olympic Qualifiers.

The camp will focus on preparing for the crucial Olympic Qualifiers where the hosts will play two matches against the USA on November 1 and 2. The best of two matches will determine the team that qualifies for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

During their recent tour of England, the Indian women's team led by Rani won their first match against Great Britain 2-1, while it drew three matches (1-1; 0-0; 2-2) and lost a match (1-3) to the home team.

"It was a good tour because we got to play a strong team like Great Britain and we did well against the pressure Great Britain created in each match. The one week break before the team reports for camp, I believe will give them enough time to recover mentally and physically and they will return fresh for the camp in Bhubaneswar," said chief coach Sjoerd Marijne.

"There is a lot of excitement among the players to compete in Bhubaneswar which has truly become a hockey destination for world events. During the camp, it is important for the team to get used to the pitch and we are also looking at playing practice matches amongst ourselves which we have requested should be open for public to come and watch. It will not only boost our confidence but it will also help us prepare better," Marijne added.

Players: Savita, Rajini Etimarpu, Deep Grace Ekka, Reena Khokhar, Salima Tete, Gurjit Kaur, Udita, Nikki Pradhan, Nisha, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Monika, Lilima Minz, Neha Goyal, Namita Toppo, Sonika, Rani, Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Navjot Kaur, Sharmila Devi, Jyoti, Vandana Katariya.

--IANS

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