Rajani Etimarpu to Head India Women's Team in FIH Hockey 5s

By: WE Staff | Friday, 20 May 2022

In a nine-member Indian women's team for the inaugural edition of the FIH Hockey 5s, goalkeeper Rajani Etimarpu will captain while Mahima Choudhary will be her deputy on June 4-5 in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The team will face Uruguay, Poland, South Africa, and the host nation, Switzerland.

Etimarpu, a veteran goalie, and Rashmita Minz and Ajmina Kujur, both defenders, make up the team. Midfielders Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Mahima Choudhary, and Preeti have been called up, as have forwards Mariana Kujur, Mumtaz Khan, and Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, who were all members of the U-18 team that competed in the Youth Olympics in Hockey 5s format.

Rajwinder Kaur and Suman Devi Thoudam have also been named as backups.

Janneke Schopman, the team's chief coach, expressed confidence ahead of her debut appearance at the Hockey 5s event.

Schopman stated, "I have never coached Hockey 5's in an official tournament so it will be interesting experience for me. We have picked a team with variety. Plenty of young talent who proved themselves in the Junior World Cup and I am keen to see them play in this format combined with players from the Senior Core Group".

Squad:

Rajani Etimarpu is the team's goalkeeper (Captain)

Rashmita Minz, Ajmina Kujur are the defenders.

Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Mahima Choudhary (Vice-Captain), Preeti are the midfielders.

Mariana Kujur, Mumtaz Khan, and Rutaja Dadaso Pisal are the forwards.

Suman Devi Thoudam and Rajwinder Kaur are on standby.