Bengaluru, April 1
Captain Savita Punia said the Malaysia tour would help the Indian women’s hockey team improve in key areas ahead of the Olympics qualifiers, to be held later this year.
An 18-member Indian team will play a five-match series against Malaysia, starting April 4. “Earlier this year, we played in Spain, where we did well against the hosts and Ireland,” Savita said “We will carry the same confidence to Malaysia and look to improve in key areas that we felt needed to be worked on after analysing our performance in Spain,” she added.
“Whatever we are doing now is all part of the preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics qualifying event later this year and we are looking to improve as a team as well as individuals,” added the 28-year-old.
India go into the series with some key players missing due to injuries. In the absence of regular captain and experienced striker Rani, midfielder Namita Toppo and drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur, the youngsters would have to step up, Savita said.
“I think we have good depth in the team now with quite a few talented youngsters who have had good international exposure,” Savita said. “They know what is required at this level and are aware of their individual responsibilities. This will be a good tour for them to show their capabilities,” she added. — PTI
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