Rani Rampal to captain U-21 Indian women's junior hockey team

NEW DELHI: Star striker Rani Rampal will captain the 18-member Indian women's junior hockey team in the Volvo International U-21 tournament beginning in the Netherlands on July 19.

The tournament will see six teams clashing against each other including hosts Netherlands, India, England, New Zealand, Germany and China. The Indian team has been selected on the basis of the preparatory camp which was held in New Delhi.

Guiding the ship will be Rani who has established herself as the lead striker of the senior team. Her crucial goal in the match against Japan during the World League Semi-finals helped India claim 5th position.

Commenting on the upcoming tournament, chief coach Mathias Ahrens said, "This tournament is very important for us as the outcome here will create a base for us for the 7th Women Asia Cup to be played in September. This team has been picked up basis the on field coordination that they have showcased during the preparatory camp and I am confident they will deliver as per strategy. Our first match is against Netherlands and we are aiming for winning start."