Hawke's Bay: Pushed to wall by two consecutive losses, the Indian women's hockey team would seek revival but it would be easier said than done when they take on Australia in the Hawke's Bay Cup on Tuesday.
Having concluded both the previous matches with a loss, the last pool match is a crucial one for the team.
It will be an interesting game to watch as the teams have not clashed recently but Australia's morale would be better given that they have two draws in their kitty.
The Indian women are working on the technicalities of the game and polishing their skills to give a tough competition.
The performances in this tournament will also be indicative of the team's chances in the Women's World League Final.
For India, Anuradha Devi Thokchom, who has scored all the team's goals so far, will be a crucial cog in the wheel for India.
Speaking on the importance of the clash on Tuesday, Indian captain Ritu Rani said, "We are not demoralised with the losses, but are taking it as a lesson to improve and work on our mistakes. We are taking the loss as a chance to know our loopholes and work on them with a long term goal for the Hockey World League Semi Finals.
"Australia is a strong team and we are prepared to give them a tough competition to position ourselves as better in the pool standings."
Talking about the preparation for the next match, Hockey India's Director (High Performance) Roelant Oltmans, said, "We have a strong team with players who are determined to come back tough for tomorrow's game.
"Though we lost the matches against China and USA, the girls are taking it in a positive way and working hard for the battle tomorrow to open the victory account. The opponents too are strong players, but we hope to get the game in our favour."
Comments
0 comment