Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, May 20: Hockey India has announced a nine-member Indian women’s team to compete in the inaugural FIH Hockey 5s, which will take place in Lausanne, Switzerland from June 4 to 5, 2022.
Rajani Etimarpu will lead the Indian team, with Mahima Choudhary serving as vice-captain. Rajani Etimarpu, a veteran goalie, and defenders Rashmita Minz and Ajmina Kujur make up the lineup. Midfielders Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Mahima Choudhary, and Preeti have been called up, while forwards Mariana Kujur, Mumtaz Khan, and Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, who were part of the U-18 team that competed in the Youth Olympics in Hockey 5s style, have also been called up.
Suman Devi Thoudam and Rajwinder Kaur have also been named as backups.
“I have never coached Hockey 5’s in an official tournament so it will be an interesting experience for me. We have picked a team with variety. Plenty of young talent who proved themselves in the Junior World Cup and I am keen to see them play in this format combined with players from the Senior Core Group,” said chief coach Janneke Schopman in a statement.
Uruguay, Poland, South Africa, and hosts Switzerland will compete against India’s women’s squad.
Indian squad: Goalkeepers: Rajani Etimarpu (C); Defenders: Rashmita Minz, Ajmina Kujur; Midfielders: Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Mahima Choudhary (VC), Preeti; Forwards: Mariana Kujur, Mumtaz Khan, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal; Standbys: Suman Devi Thoudam, Rajwinder Kaur.
