Tokyo Olympics: Indian women’s hockey team named for Summer Games

Tokyo Olympics: Indian women’s hockey team named for Summer Games

Indian women's hockey team

India on Thursday announced the women’s teams for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics which are scheduled to kick off in Japan from July 23. The team which features four defenders, six midfielders, five forwards and a lone goalkeeper is expected to be led by Rani Rampal.

It is surprising to see the Indian team go into the quadrennial event with just a single goalkeeper. Savita Punia has been named as the lone goalkeeper in the side. Given the ravaging pandemic and the biosecurity protocols in place to tackle it, it is nearly impossible to bring in replacements once the tournament commences.

India to kick off campaign against Netherlands

Indian Women's Hockey Team
Indian Women’s Hockey Team

The Indian women will kick off their Olympics campaign against against the Netherlands on 24th July. The women in blue will then be up against the European powerhouse Germany in their second pool game. They will be going toe to toe against Great Britain and South Africa as they look to make their way to the knockouts.

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The top four teams in each pool will make it to the quarterfinals and given the fixtures, the Indian women are likely to make it to the knockouts with ease. India’s hockey team, both men and woman, have shared that they will be dedicating their performances to the frontline health workers of the country.

Indian women’s hockey team for Tokyo Olympics

Goalkeeper: Savita Punia

Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, Nikki Pradhan, Gurjit Kaur, Udita

Midefielders: Nisha, Neha, Sushila Chanu, Udita, Navjot, Salima

Forwards: Rani Rampal, Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Vandana Katariya, Sharmila Devi

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