MP player Sushila Chanu to lead the women's hockey squad to Rio

Following hockey Captain Ritu Rani's exit from Olympic squad, the next question that begged an answer was who would be leading the team to the Games. After many round of meetings, the name that has been zeroed in on is Madhya Pradesh women hockey academy’s Sushila Chanu. The announcement was made on Tuesday, and is no doubt great news for the state, where the Hockey Academy was set up almost a decade ago. Preeti Dubey is another player from same state who booked her place in the team.

Also read: Indian women’s 4×400 relay team assures itself a Rio berth

While Sushila joined the academy when it was launched in 2007 in Gwalior, Preeti has also been training there since the last five years. The players from the academy were also part of bronze winning World Cup team.

Sports minister Yashodhara said all these players have been regular members of Indian hockey team for the last two years. Also last year, Sushila Chanu became the captain of the team that participated various international tournaments.

Also read: Making the cut: Indian women athletes​ to watch out for at the Rio Olympics

In addition to this good news, four women hockey players from Odisha - Defenders Deep Grace Ekka, Namita Toppo, Sunita Lakra and midfielder Lilima Minz have also been selected in the Indian squad and will represent the national team in the Olympics starting from August 5.

Feature Image Credit: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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