The Indian ladies’s hockey crew might need been pitted in opposition to world No.5 Germany in the FIH Olympic Qualifiers however an unperturbed skipper Savita Punia stated her facet has the wherewithal to beat the problem.
At No. 6, the hosts are the second-best facet in the India-leg of the Olympic Qualifiers to be held in Ranchi from January 13 to 19, and the opposite groups are: New Zealand (ninth), Japan (eleventh), Chile (14th), United States (fifteenth), Italy (nineteenth) and the Czech Republic (twenty fifth).
The different eight groups that may battle for the Olympic spots in Valencia, Spain, embrace Belgium, Great Britain, Spain, South Korea, Ireland, Canada, Malaysia and Ukraine.
The high three groups from every of the qualifiers will safe their locations in the Paris Olympics subsequent yr.
“We are confident in our abilities, and the rankings of opposing teams don’t faze us as we are ready to face all the tough teams that will be coming to India for the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier,” stated Savita.
“We played Germany in July, so we know what we’re up against,” she added.
India’s chief coach Janneke Schopman echoed Savita’s confidence, saying that there was quite a bit to study from their title triumph on the latest Asian Champions Trophy in Ranchi.
“A lot of things went well for us, but there are always areas where we can improve. We need to avoid unnecessary cards and make better use of our referrals,” the coach stated.
“Similarly, with our attacking style of play, we have to face a lot of teams that play with 11 players behind their 25-yard line and we have to get better at creating opportunities playing against a closed defence.
“This match (ACT) confirmed we’re a tricky crew. So, we are going to proceed to give attention to ourselves, search for methods to enhance and go away no stone unturned in our preparation for the Olympic Qualifier,” Schopman said.
“We are acquainted with New Zealand, we performed in opposition to the US as nicely in the FIH Pro League final yr, however most significantly I’m blissful to tackle these powerful groups at dwelling,” she added.
The high three groups every from Ranchi and Valencia Qualifiers will be a part of hosts France, Australia, the Netherlands, China, Argentina, and South Africa on the Paris Olympics.
