Hockey India announced the squad for the FIH World league semi-final which will take place in Antwerp, Belgium. The stage is set for these 18 women to make a mark and book themselves a berth at the Rio Olympics.
10 teams will compete in the tournament and the top four will advance to the final stage round to be held in Rosario (Argentina) from December 5, 2015. The teams have been divided in two pools of five each. India face a tough challenge in the form of Australia, New Zealand, Belgium and Poland.
A finish in the top four will earn the Indian women a Rio Olympics berth. The Indian team led by captain Ritu Rani had done a terrific job and claimed top honours at the FIH World League stage second round held in New Delhi in India from March 7 to 15, 2015. They blanked out Poland 3-1 in the finals. Vandna Katariya had emerged top scorer by smashing 11 goals in the tournament, and a lot of responsibility will rest on her shoulders in Belgium.
Wilt under pressure?
Despite this high, the team will travel to Belgium with a tag of 'tigers at home, weak outside'. They finished a disappointing seventh in the recently held Hawke's Bay Cup in New Zealand during April 11 to 19, 2015. They will have to take the ground running and not squander many matches acclimatizing.
Indian teams are known to wilt under pressure, but this bunch of young women have proved otherwise in the past few months.
Under recently appointed chief coach Mathias Ahrens, the team will have to chalk out a strategy to tackle biggies like Australia and New Zealand. Ahrens will also have to work on the penalty corner specialists and ensure that every opportunity is converted into a goal.
"The team is doing very well and improving perfectively. We have pointed out mistakes and loopholes in the previous matches and are positively working on those issues. The players are keen learners and working really hard which is a very good thing for the team," said Ahrens.
"We know that we will face top-ranked teams but we are not under pressure. We will just focus on our strategies and play our best game. I am sure that we will see good competition."
Olympic berth at stake
Australia, Netherlands and New Zealand are expected to qualify for the finals and the fight for the 4th spot will be interesting. India, Belgium, Poland and Japan each have some talented players. All in all, the tournament will be a treat for hockey fans full of thrills.
The squad:
Goalkeepers: Savita, Rajini Etimarpu
Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, Deepika, Sunita Lakra, Namita Toppo, Sushila Chanu
Midfielders: Ritu Rani, Lilima Minz, Lily Chanu, Navjot Kaur, Monika, Renuka Yadav
Forwards: Rani, Poonam Rani, Vandana Kataria, Anuradha Devi, Soundarya Yendala.
By Rajveer Singh
Indian Sports News Network