Bhubaneswar: Seven sportspersons from the state have been selected for the upcoming Commonwealth Games to be held in Australia next month.

Saraswati Rout has been selected to represent India in the 58kg women's category in weightlifting.

Four hockey players - Deep Grace Ekka, Namita Toppo, Sunita Lakra and Lilima Minz - have been included in the 18-member Indian women's hockey squad for the 21st edition of the games.

Purnima Hembram and Jauna Murmu have also been included in the 31-member Indian athletics contingent to take part in the quadrennial tournament. Odia defenders Deep Grace and Sunita will join the team as defenders, while Lilima and Namita will play as midfielders.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik congratulated the sportspersons on their selection. "Congratulations to our hockey stars Lilima Minz, Sunita Lakra, Namita Toppo and Deep Grace Ekka on being selected in #TeamIndia for Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia. My best wishes to them. Make Odisha proud," wrote Naveen on social media.

The players were also a part of the 16-member Indian women's hockey team that took part in the Rio Olympics.

The large representation of women players has brought cheers among the people in the state. Since their selection, good wishes have been pouring in for them on social media. "They are an inspiration for young players like us," said Archana Satpahty, an upcoming hockey player.

Odia defender Amit Rohidas has been named in the 18-member Indian men's hockey team for the games.