New Delhi: India’s invincible run in the Olympic Test event has boosted the confidence of the women’s hockey team but there are still areas where it need to put in the hard yards ahead of the FIH Olympic Qualifiers, according to skipper Rani Rampal.
The eves hockey team put up a brilliant performance at the Olympic Test Event in Tokyo as they defeated hosts Japan 2-1 in the final to win the tournament.
Rani Rampal is extremely pleased with the way the side played against the likes of World No. 2 Australia, World No. 11 China and World No. 14 Japan.
“It was incredible to remain unbeaten throughout the Olympic Test Event. The hard work put in by all the players in the various training camps ahead of the tournament paid dividends. A victory in this tournament gives us a lot of confidence ahead of the Tour of England and the FIH Olympic Qualifiers,” said Rani Rampal.
“We still have to improve in certain areas, but we are confident of booking our place in the Tokyo Olympics. Our preparations have been excellent so far and we have to just keep building on our game. The Olympic Test Event was very helpful to understand the level of our game as we played against some strong teams including World No. 2 Australia. Our only aim is to qualify for the Olympics and I feel we are on the right track,” added the Indian skipper.
Rani, who was named the ‘Best Player’ at the FIH Women’s Series Finals Hiroshima 2019, said that the side is a well-settled unit and all players are extremely clear about their roles.
“After wonderful performances at the FIH Women’s Series Finals Hiroshima 2019 and the Olympic Test Event, our team have players who are very clear about their roles, and perform them industriously on the field,” Rani Rampal pointed out. “We have gained momentum at the right time and have to keep improving our skills as the team approach the FIH Olympic Qualifiers,” she added.
India started the tournament with a superb 2-1 victory over hosts and World No. 14 Japan, before playing out a 2-2 draw with World No. 2 Australia in their second match. India then drew 0-0 with World No. 11 China in their last round-robin match.
Rani, who has been leading the Indian side for more than two years, was all praise for drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur, who was the top-scorer of the competition with three goals.
“Gurjit has improved immensely in the last couple of years. She was the top-scorer at the FIH Women’s Series Finals Hiroshima 2019 and the Olympic Test Event. Gurjit is a vital player for us as a drag-flicker and I am delighted to see her in form ahead of important tournaments for us,” Rani pointed out.
PTI