By The Hockey Paper
Rani will lead out India in their opening game against hosts England at the Vitality women’s World Cup on July 21.
The Asian nation has consistently relied on the forward – and that will be no different in London as India go searching for their first ever Hockey World Cup medal.
The Indian Team has been placed in Pool B along with England, World No. 7 USA and World No. 16 Ireland. India’s best placing has been fourth in the first World Cup in 1970.
Rani returned to the team during their Spain Tour and will again be leading her team’s forward line. She will be linking up with the experienced Vandana Katariya while Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami and Udita will also provide them support in attack.
Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne said: “It was not an easy decision to select the 18-member team as all the core probables have worked really hard in the National Camp.
“However, we feel that this 18-member team will be the best mixture to be successful at the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup London 2018.”
On the team’s balance, the Dutchman added: “We have a good blend of experience and youth in the team.
“The recent Spain Tour has given the team great confidence to do well at the World Cup. Our focus is on the first match against England.”
“In order to reach our first goal of qualifying for the quarter finals, we can only think about the first match against the hosts and the team is excited and confident of starting well against them in front of a packed stadium.”
South Korea were the last Asian nation to medal at the World Cup following their third place finish in 1990.
No Asian nation has ever reached a World Cup final.
