The Indian girls hockey crew’s two FIH Pro League matches in opposition to England, which have been earlier postponed attributable to COVID-related points within the English facet, have been cancelled, handing the Savita-led facet the highest place within the standings. The two matches have been initially scheduled for April 2 and three on the Kalinga Staium right here however postponed attributable to a excessive variety of COVID-19 circumstances and accidents within the England crew. The Indian crew has now been awarded six factors — three every for a match — for the 2 cancelled video games.
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“The FIH Hockey Pro League matches between India and England (Women), initially scheduled on 2 and three April in Bhubaneswar, India, however postponed attributable to a excessive variety of COVID circumstances and accidents affecting the English crew, will sadly be cancelled, ultimately,” the world governing body said in a statement.
“Indeed, despite all efforts from Hockey India, England Hockey and FIH, no dates could be found to reschedule the matches in India. Consequently, it has been agreed between the FIH and the 2 nations that the 6 points available for these 2 matches will be awarded to India.”
With six factors from the 2 cancelled matches, India leapfrogged Olympic champions Netherlands to occupy the highest place within the standings with 22 factors. The Dutch are second at 19 factors whereas Germany (13) are third.
India had crushed the Netherlands 2-1 within the first match of the two-legged tie right here on Friday earlier than dropping 1-3 within the shootout within the second sport on Saturday.
Speaking about her crew’s efficiency within the dwelling matches right here, India chief coach Janneke Schopmanof mentioned, “If we take a look at the preliminary video games we performed in opposition to China in Oman after which right here in opposition to Spain, we made a whole lot of steps, a whole lot of issues higher as in comparison with preliminary matches, however nonetheless tons to be taught, tons to enhance.
On the match India misplaced within the shootout in opposition to Netherlands on Saturday, Schopman mentioned that regardless of placing stress on their opponents, her facet uncared for to create extra outcomes.
“I believe we performed nicely for many of the sport. In the primary three quarters, we put a whole lot of stress on them, however we uncared for to create extra outcomes. We little bit rushed ultimately section, and sadly, we didn’t rating PCs immediately.
“And, within the fourth quarter, we lacked just a little bit composure and misplaced the ball in direction of them.”
Captain Savita admitted Netherlands played better than in their first match which India won 2-1.
With less than 100 days to go for the FIH Women’s World Cup to be held in Spain and Netherlands, Savita said that the Pro League experience will help the team prepare for the marquee event.
“We’ve played our Pro League matches against quality teams, and it’s been great learning for us. It is really helping us prepare for the upcoming tournaments, especially the World Cup,” she signed off.
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