Rampal not included in the list of players for Asian Games

Rani Rampal not included in the list of potential players for women’s hockey in the Asian Games

Rampal strongly criticized the national head coach Janneke Schopman, seeking an explanation for her exclusion despite her recent commendable performances

(Hockey News) In the lead-up to the Hangzhou Asian Games scheduled for September-October, veteran forward Rani Rampal found herself excluded from the 34-member senior women’s hockey probables list for the national coaching camp.

Expressing her frustration on Thursday, Rampal openly criticized national head coach Janneke Schopman, seeking an explanation for her omission despite her recent impressive performances.

Anticipating the forthcoming camp, Schopman emphasized the team’s growth and learning through recent competitions. Rampal stated, “This upcoming camp holds significant importance for our preparations towards the Hangzhou Asian Games, a potential gateway to securing a place in the Paris Olympics 2024.” Schopman further emphasized aligning players with the team’s preferred style of play and the need for unity before the crucial upcoming competition.

The camp, set to commence on Sunday, will run until September 18. The list of potential players includes goalkeepers Savita, Rajani Etimarpu, Bichu Devi Kharibam, and Bansari Solanki. Defenders consist of Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Jyoti Chhatri, and Mahima Chaudhary.

The midfielders’ roster encompasses names like Nisha, Salima Tete, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur, Monika, Mariana Kujur, Sonika, Neha, Baljeet Kaur, Reena Khokhar, Vaishnavi Phalke, and Ajmina Kujur.

The forward lineup comprises Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur, Vandana Katariya, Sharmila Devi, Deepika, Sangita Kumari, Mumtaz Khan, Sunelita Toppo, and Beauty Dungdung.

India’s participation in the Hangzhou Games is set to commence on September 27. The team has been grouped with Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, and Singapore in Pool A.

Significantly, the Indian team arrives with a recent victory from the 100th Anniversary Spanish Hockey Federation – International Tournament, held last month in Barcelona. The Women in Blue secured a 3-0 victory over hosts Spain.

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