Women Hockey World Cup: The India women’s hockey team made the country proud with their fourth position finish at the Tokyo Olympics. Now, they will have bigger dreams. Savita Punia and co would love to better that display at the Women’s Hockey World Cup in Spain and Netherlands, starting July 1. However, they will have to do without the services of season campaigner Rani Rampal, who is injured. Follow All Women Hockey World Cup 2022 Live Updates and Score on InsideSport.IN.
A total of 16 teams will compete for top honours. They have been divided into four pools of four teams each. India are in a tough Pool B alongside England, New Zealand and China.
All the four teams are ranked inside top ten in women’s hockey. England (fifth) and New Zealand (sixth) are ranked ahead of India (ninth). India open their account against England on July 3.
Women Hockey World Cup: After solid show at Tokyo Olympics, India women’s hockey set for big World Cup test sans Rani Rampal
The first match result could play an important role where India finish in the overall group standings. In order to seal an automatic place in the quarterfinals of Women’s Hockey World Cup, India need to top the group. Finishing either second or third would mean moving into the crossovers, which is a knockout fixture to reach the quarterfinals of the prestigious competition.
Women Hockey World Cup: After solid show at Tokyo Olympics, India women’s hockey set for big World Cup test sans Rani Rampal
India squad: Goalkeepers: Savita Punia (c), Bichu Devi Kharibam Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka (vice captain), Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita Midfielders: Nisha, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Monika, Neha, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur, Sonika, Salima Tete Forwards: Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur, Sharmila Devi Replacement players: Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Sangita Kumari
India Fixtures
July 3: India vs England, 8PM IST.
July 5: India vs China, 8PM IST
July 7: India vs New Zealand, 11PM
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