Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, July 12:

Four women hockey players from Odisha have scripted their way to the history books after they were picked up in the Indian squad for Rio Olympics, which was announced today.

WOMEN HOCKEY SQUAD RIO

Deep Grace Ekka, Namita Toppo, Lilima Minz and Sunita Lakra are among the 16-member Indian Women's Hockey team for Rio Olympics to be held in Rio de Janeiro from this August first week.

The announcement was made by Hockey India (HI) with Sushila Chanu as the captain and Deepika as her deputy.

Meanwhile, the Odisha Sports and Youth Services Minister Sudam Marandi announced a cash reward of Rs 50, 000 each for the players making it to the big stage.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also congratulated the four players from the state who found a place in the team.

“Congratulate Deep Grace Ekka, Namita Toppo, Lilima Minz & Sunita Lakra for making it to #Rio2016 women’s hockey team. Wishing all success,” Naveen Patnaik tweeted.

Notably, this is the first Olympic qualification for the women’s team in 36 years.

At the Rio Olympics, the Indian women's team have been placed in Group B alongside Argentina, Australia, Britain, Japan and United States.

The team:

Defenders: Sushila Chanu (captain), Deepika (vice-captain), Deep Grace Ekka, Namita Toppo, Sunita Lakra.

Midfielders: Navjot Kaur, Monika, Renuka Yadav, Lilima Minz.

Forwards: Anuradha Devi, Poonam Rani, Vandana Kataria, Rani Rampal, Preeti Dubey, Nikki Pradhan.

Goalkeeper: Savita

On standby: Rajani Etimarpu, H. Lalruat Feli.