When Mamta Kharab packs her bags for the four-nation tournament in New Zealand next month, the Indian women’s hockey team captain will have a long checklist of things she must take along.

There will be an assortment of trainers and spikes, along with hockey sticks paired with shorts and warm-up suits folded up in saffron, white and green colours. And in the team kit there will also be a picture of her parents.

Since the Rohtak girl made her debut for India in 1999 in the four-nation tournament held in the US, it has been a habit for Mamta. “I take it everywhere, I think it gives me luck as it reminds me of my parents,” she explains.

During a chat with The Indian Express, Kharab talked about her latest plans, India’s preparations for the Olympic qualifiers to be played in Auckland in 2008 and the emergence of young players in the Indian team.

After leading India in the Asia Cup held in Hong Kong where the team lost to China in the bronze medal match, Mamta is now eyeing a good performance in the four-nation tournament in November. “We were in good form early in the Asia Cup, but unfortunately the team lost in the bronze medal match against China. Most of the girls in the team are young and the team is getting along well and we hope to do well in New Zealand,” says Kharab, who is nicknamed Chipkali for her energetic moves on the turf.

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