Indian women hockey team arrive in Japan

New Delhi: Indian women hockey team, led by Subhadra Pradhan, have arrived at Gifu to play a four-match Test series against Japan commencing at Kakamigahara from March 19.

After the four match Test series, which ends on March 24, Indian team will move to Shanghai on March 25 to play another five-match series against Asian champions China. The other two matches between India and Japan will be held on March 21 and 22.This twin tour is in preparation for the Womens World Cup to be held at Rosario, Argentina in August-September this year, a Hockey India release said. The squad is scheduled to return on April 4. Team: Goalkeepers: E Rajini, Yogita BaliDefenders: Subhadra Pradhan (capt), Jaspreet Kaur, Eti Srivastava, Joydeep Kaur, Preeti Kiro Midfielders: Deepika Thakur, Mukta Barla, Kirandeep Kaur, Thockchom Ranjita Devi, Rosalin Ralte, Ritu Rani, Sunita Lakra Forwards: Saba Anjum, Chanchan Devi, Rani, Monica Badran, Poonam Rani, Soundarya Yendala, Rosalin Dung Dung. Officials: MK Kaushik (National Coach), Vasu Thapliyal (Coach), Sandeep Somesh (Coach), Khalid Modi (Coach), Vikas Dhawan (Physio), R Gandhi (Trainer), M Basavaja (Videographer), H Nalini (Video Analyst), Madhu Yadav (Manager). PTI