Indian women's hockey team leaves for Argentina tour

Hockey India named the 25-member squad for the tour.

The Indian women's hockey team left from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi on Sunday for Argentina to take part in their first tour after the coronavirus pandemic halted the sporting events around the globe. 

The 25-member squad is scheduled to play two matches against Argentina (Junior Women) on 17 and 19 January 2021, two matches against Argentina B on 22 and 24 January and four matches against Argentina from 26 to 31 January.

Hockey India and the host National Association have created a bio bubble in Argentina for both the teams. The Indian team will be staying in a hotel where a provision to have separate rooms/halls for the team for all the meals, team meetings, sessions etc have been made.

"It feels amazing to be touring again. We have worked very hard on our game in the last few months and the time has come for us to execute our skills in an international match. Playing in international matches is going to be a bit different this time, since we will be in a bio bubble, however, the team is excited to be back on the field in the best possible manner at the moment," said captain Rani Rampal.

The entire Indian contingent underwent a Covid-19 RT-PCR Test 72 hours prior to their departure from New Delhi, India. Though there is no requirement of quarantine upon arrival in Argentina, the team will still be following all safety and health measures as advised by the respective governments of India & Argentina. Further, the teams will also be following the Hockey India SOPs.

India's vice-captain and goalkeeper Savita thanked Hockey India and SAI for arranging the tour of Argentina. Savita remarked, "We desperately needed to get back into the competitive mode as there's not much time left to go for the Olympics. We have been doing well in practice sessions, but an international match is always the real test for any sportsperson. Therefore, we would like to thank Hockey India and SAI for the efforts they have put in to arrange a tour for us. We are really looking forward to a great tour and hopefully, we start playing to our full potential right from the first match."

Team:

Goalkeeper- Savita Punia, Rajani Etimarpu and Bichu Devi Kharibam.

Defenders- Gurjit Kaur, Deep Grace Ekka, Rashmita Minz, Manpreet Kaur, Reena Khokhar, Salima Tete and Nisha.

Midfielders- Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lilima Minz, Neha Goyal, Namita Toppo, Monika and Nikki Pradhan.

Forwards- Rani Rampal (Captain), Vandana Katariya, Navneet Kaur, Navjot Kaur, Jyoti, Udita, Rajwinder Kaur, Lalremsiami and Sharmila Devi.