The Indian women's hockey team Tuesday left here for Italian capital Rome where they will play a five-match Test series Dec 3-12 to prepare for the World League Round 2 to be held here in March 2015.
"We are confident of this series but more important is the World League Round 2 challenge as that will decide if we qualify for World League Round 3 and the Rio Olympics. Hence this series is important as it gives the team an opportunity to work on coordination and work on the loopholes before March next year," captain Ritu Rani said.
Before leaving for Italy, chief coach Neil Hawgood said: "This series is an important series for the team as it will help them understand their flaws and work on them before they enter the World League Round 2.
"I am sure this team will put up a good show in Italy and I hope they continue this in their upcoming tournaments too in the coming future. I am happy the way this team has shaped up in the last two-and-half years and I see them growing from here."
India will play their first match Dec 4 followed by matches on Dec 6, 7, 9 and 11.
The squad:
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Goalkeepers: Savita, Rajani Etimarpu
Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, Jaspreet Kaur, Sushila Chanu, M.N. Ponnamma, Sunita Lakra, Namita Toppo, Manjit Kaur
Midfielders: Deepika (vice-captain), Lilima Minz, Ritu Rani (captain), Lily Chanu, Navjot Kaur, Amandeep Kaur
Forwards: Poonam Rani, Vandana Katariya, Soundarya Yendala.