And ahead of the continental challenge, the team is setting foot in Europe as they play in a preparatory tournament in Spain and Germany.
The Women’s team will be playing in Germany first. They will play three matches against Germany (2) and China, before heading up to Spain to participate in a four-nation cup in honour of the Spanish hockey federation’s centenary celebration. England, South Africa and hosts Spain will be their three opponents.
And ahead of the tournaments, India women’s coach Janneke Schopman and captain Savita Punia joined in a virtual press meet.
With the Asian Games in mind, the Indian team are on full throttle in preparation and captain Savita commented how much they have improved in the past few years. The India women’s team leader said they play fearless hockey and only concentrate on their pwn performance.
Savita also emphasized that the players push themselves so hard that no one knows who will be in the team for the next match, thus hailing the healthy competitive mentality in the squad.
MyKhel asked the India coach Janeke Schopman about her role in instilling the fearless mentality in the Indian side, and she revealed a first-day talk which has played a huge role in the transformation of the Indian women’s hockey team.
Maybe the biggest thing I said was that I was nervous too when I played. The majority said how could you be as u were a Netherlands player? But I normalized it and told them you are supposed to be nervous and we discussed what you feel and what you think. The feeling isn’t what you want to be, but we have to deal that,” Schopman said to MyKhel.
She also emphasized that her team will give their everything in the Asian Games and believes the togetherness can thrive them forward in coming years.
“It doesn’t really matter what the opponent brings, we just focus on ourselves. I can’t guarantee we will win Asian Games, but we will try our hardest and we will do it together and fight till the end,” Schopman added.
India have already announced their squad for the upcoming European tour, but Schopman confirms the touring squad by no means is guaranteed for the Asian Games in September.
The 46-year-old says it will be a new challenge for them and the players who will continue to showcase their consistency will have the nod ahead for the Asian Games.
