Sumari, Ferdina overlooked

NEW DELHI, Feb 3: The Indian Women's Hockey Federation has dropped internationals Sumari Tete and Ferdina Ekka from the 18-member squad that...

NEW DELHI, Feb 3: The Indian Women8217;s Hockey Federation has dropped internationals Sumari Tete and Ferdina Ekka from the 18-member squad that will tour South Africa this weekend. This step has been taken to accommodate promising juniors in the team.

The IWHF cited various reasons for the current changes, primary among them being physical fitness. While Ferdina was dropped for being off-colour, Sumari has got the sack for disciplinary reasons 8212; the Bihar captain had reported ten days late for the National camp in Patiala, which concluded recently. Besides Sumari was also found unfit.

The two youngsters who have replaced the Bihar players are Surinder Kaur and Renubala. The two were seen working out with the National team at the National Stadium today. The team also played a practice match with Sports Authority of India, Sonepat Centre trainees. Neha Singh, who has been recalled after an injury, played with a strap on her knee.

Coach Col Balbir Singh informed that a series of practice matches againstthe Army teams during their camp in Patiala had helped the players improve their game. IWHF will be requesting more Army regiments to help the Indian side till the Asian Games, once they return from the foreign tours.

The girls had undergone a tough session in Patiala where they practiced with penalty corner machines. The machine, according to the coach, has helped them in improving upon the penalty corner conversions 8212; the team8217;s weakest point.

The coach seemed happy with newcomers Surinder Kaur and Renubala. 8220;They both are confident and are fast learners,8221; he said.

The team will be leaving for South Africa on Wednesday. The captain will be announced on Wednesday prior to the departure with the two contenders being between veterans Shashi Bala and Sita Gossain.

TEAM

Story continues below this ad

Tingoleima GK, Helen Mary GK, Sandeep Kaur, Shashi Bala, Marystella Tirkey, Renubala, Mukta Xalco, Helen Soy, Sita Gussain, Nidhi Khullar, Pritam Thakran, Manjinder Kaur, Kamala Dalal, Sunita Dalal, Suraj Lata, Jyoti Kulu,Neha Si.