New Delhi: The Indian Senior Women Hockey Team, all geared up and ready to take on the challenges in the upcoming Commonwealth Games 2014, headed-off to Edinburgh (Scotland) from New Delhi, today morning.
With an astounding clean sweep over Malaysia during the recent Malaysian Tour, which was in preparation for the Commonwealth Games 2014, the Indian Senior Women Hockey team will now take on Canada on the 24th July 2014 followed by a head-on with New Zealand, Trinidad & Tobago and South Africa thereafter, during the upcoming tournament.
The 16 member team is captained by midfielder Ritu Rani with 179 caps and defender Deepika with a total of 126 caps to her credit, will be seen in the role of Vice-Captain.
Speaking on the preparations for the Commonwealth Games, Chief Coach Mr. Neil Hawgood said, “the preparatory camp went really well and the Malaysian tour was a big boost for the team. It was seen that the players are getting better with their possession but we do have to look out for the fact that ‘where we turn the ball’ should be worked upon more. The challenging part will be to make it in the top two and this time we are positive to make it to the semi-finals.”
Speaking ahead of the games, Captain Ritu Rani said, “The team is showing major signs of improvement and is well in rhythm as we underwent plenty of training camps including the Malaysian Tour, keeping the team well in shape. The success of the Malaysian tour is definitely a plus point as the junior team members are motivated more than ever and will help them gain experience to take on bigger challenges. Last time we could not make it to the semi-finals but this year we are looking at a podium finish and are positive about doing so.”
The Commonwealth Games will see a total of 10 teams divided into two groups. India is placed along with Canada, New Zealand, Trinidad & Tobago and South Africa in group A.
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