Ritu Rani-led Indian eves all set for face-off against Argentina

New Delhi: The Indian senior women's hockey team, under the guidance of chief coach Neil Hawgood, is all set to start their Argentina tour with a clash against their under-21 team, tomorrow.

This would be the first international exposure for the Indian eves post their historic qualification for the Rio Olympics next year. The match will be setting off the tour which includes matches against Australia and Argentina from 23rd November 2015 to 29th November 2015.

The 18-member India squad will be led by experienced campaigner Ritu Rani. The second in command will be Deepika Thakur. The Indian goalpost will be guarded by Savita and Rajani Etimarpu.

The defence line will see vice-captain Deepika alongside Sunita Lakra, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Jaspreet Kaur and Deep Grace Ekka. The midfield will have captain Ritu Rani with Renuka Yadav, Lilima Minz, Navjot Kaur, Monika and Namita Toppo. Navneet Kaur, Preeti Dubey, Poonam Rani, Vandana Katariya and Anuradha Devi Thokchom will complete the forward line for team India.

"The girls have been working hard and our game tomorrow will be critical to help us understand the areas which still needs attention. The good part is that we have been training hard for the last one month and the team is full of confidence," said Neil Hawgood, chief coach, Indian Women's Hhockey Team.

"We have an experienced captain and the girls have been together for quite some time which is a huge advantage for us. The qualifications for the Olympics have been a boost and we will be playing in similar conditions to that of Rio which will only prepare us for the future," he added.

The Indian Women's team has been on a high this year winning the second round of the Hockey World League earlier this year which was held in Delhi.

The team gained 5th position in the Hockey World League Semi Final by the virtue of which they qualified for the Rio Olympics for the first time in 36 years.