Bhubaneshwar, Nov 7 (IANS): The 18-member Indian women's squad was announced on Saturday for the international matches to be played in Argentina from November 18 to 30.
The squad will be led by experienced midfielder Ritu Rani, while defender Deepika is the vice captain.
The Indian goalpost will be guarded by Savita and Rajani Etimarpu. The defence line will see Deepika alongside Sunita Lakra, Susila Chanu Pukhrmbam, Jaspreet Kaur and Deep Grace Ekka.
The midfield will have Ritu with Renuka Yadav, Lilima Minz, Navjot Kaur, Monika and Namita Toppo.
Navneet Kaur, Rani Rampal, Poonam Rani, Vandana Kataria and Anuradha Devi Thokchom will complete the forward line.
The 18 players were named during the ongoing national camp at the Kalinga Stadium here.
The Indian team has been on a high this year winning the second round of the Hockey World league (HWL) earlier this year which was held in Delhi. The team gained fifth position in the HWL Round 3 by the virtue of which it qualified for the Rio Olympics for the first time in 36 years.
"The team has been practicing together since the camp started. We believe in putting excessive emphasis on team work and the new team of coaches and support Staff are working hard to increase the work rate of each player. We have an experienced Captain and she knows how to lead by example," India chief coach Neil Hawgood said in a release.
"The qualifications for the Olympics have been a boost and we will be playing in similar conditions to that of Rio which will give us advantage in our Olympic campaign. I have full faith in the girls and I hope we will put up a good show together," the Australian added.
The Indian squad:
Goalkeepers: Savita, Rajani Etimarpu.
Defenders: Sunita Lakra, Deepika (vice-captain), P. Susila Chanu, Jaspreet Kaur, Deep Grace Ekka.
Midfielders: Renuka Yadav, Ritu Rani (captain), Lilima Minz, Navjot Kaur, Monika, Namita Toppo.
Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Rani Rampal, Poonam Rani, Vandana Kataria, Anuradha Devi Thokchom.