Star forward Rani-Rampal was named captain of the 18-member Indian women's hockey-team which will take on England in five-match-series starting September-27 in Marlow. India's midfield will also consist of other experienced players in Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Nikki-Pradhan, Monika, Neha-Goyal and Lilima-Minz. The Dutchman also said the tour will help in preparing the team to face USA in the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in Odisha.

Indian badminton star P.V. Sindhu set her sights on reaching world number one after she shook off opening-match nerves to reach the last 16 at the Hong Kong Open on Wednesday. Last year's runner-up and current world number three needed a mid-match pep talk from her coaches before beating Thailand's Nitchaon Jindapol 21-15, 13-21, 21-17.