India named a striker Rani Rampal as their new captain. Deep Grace Ekka and Savita serve as two vice-captains of the women's national hockey team for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics to take place from July 23 to August 8.
Last week, India announced a 16-member team for the Tokyo Games, but did not name a captain despite the fact that Rani was almost certain to lead the team.
"It is a huge honour to lead the Indian team at the Olympic Games. In these past years my role as a captain was made easy with teammates who have shared the responsibilities as senior players," Rani said in a statement issued by Hockey India.
The Indian team has achieved significant results under Rani's captaincy in recent years, including winning the Asia Cup in 2017, a silver medal at the Asian Games in 2018, a silver medal at the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy, and winning the FIH Series Final in 2019.
Under Rani's leadership, India also advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2018 FIH Women's World Cup in London for the first time.
"I congratulate Rani on being named captain of the Indian women's hockey team for the Olympic Game," chief coach Sjoerd Marijne said.
"I also congratulate Deep Grace Ekka and Savita. All these three players have been part of the leadership group for a long time and have proven their abilities with this added responsibility and have guided many youngsters in the core group."
Justifying the logic behind having two vice-captains, the Spaniard said, "Having two vice-captains will also strengthen the core leadership group for the future. Their experience and role will be of importance as we aim to achieve good results in Tokyo."
Rani Rampal is a field hockey player from India. She was the youngest player on the national team that competed in the 2010 World Cup, at the age of 15.
She has appeared in 212 international matches, scoring 134 goals. She is the current Captain of the Indian Women's Hockey Team. She is also well-known as a striker who frequently plays as a midfielder.
