Odisha’s Deep Grace Named India Vice-Captain For Inaugural FIH Women’s Nations Cup

New Delhi: Odisha’s pride Deep Grace Ekka has been named India’s vice-captain for the inaugural FIH Women’s Nations Cup to be held in Spain’s Valencia from December 11 to 17.

Goalkeeper Savita Punia will lead the 20-member squad, which was announced by Hockey India on Wednesday.

The Indian team, bronze-medallists at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games three months ago, has been placed in pool B along with Canada, Japan and South Africa. Pool A comprises of Ireland, Italy, Korea and Spain.

The Nations Cup will have a system of promotion-relegation with the champions qualifying for the 2023-2024 season of FIH Hockey Women’s Pro League.

“I’m very happy with the performance of the entire playing group in the camp. Our level is getting higher and the group is very competitive. It was difficult to pick 20 players but I believe this group will have a good chance to perform well and show what we have been working on,” India’s chief coach Janneke Schopman said.

INDIAN SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Savita (Captain), Bichu Devi Kharibam.

Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka (Vice-Captain), Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary.

Midfielders: Nisha, Salima Tete, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Monika, Neha, Sonika, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur.

Forwards: Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Beauty Dungdung.