Extraordinarily happy with the battle proven by Indian girls hockey group towards formidable Argentina, coach Sjoerd Marijne says the the recently-concluded “publicity journey” has helped the gamers perceive what it takes to beat a high group. The Indian core group performed out two attracts (2-2, 1-1) towards the Argentina Junior group and misplaced two matches (1-2, 2-3) to Argentina ‘B’ group earlier than shedding two matches (2-3, 0-2) and eking out a 1-1 draw towards the world quantity two facet.
The group will return residence on Wednesday after enjoying their first aggressive tour because the coronavirus-induced break.
“In all three matches towards the senior girls, it was very carefully contested, and the matches might have gone both approach. Even the match the place we misplaced 0-2, they (Argentina) had been very efficient, however our high quality of play was very excessive in that sport,” Marijne stated in a launch issued by Hockey India.
“General, this tour has helped us achieve that confidence of enjoying towards a high facet like Argentina. We had the possibility to expertise what it takes to beat a group like Argentina and the areas we have to give attention to to succeed towards a top quality facet. This can be a optimistic step in our preparations for the Olympic Video games.”
After returning to India, the core group can have a two-week break earlier than regrouping on the Sports activities Authority of India (SAI), Bengaluru campus for the Nationwide Teaching Camp.
“As soon as we return to Bengaluru, we are going to consider these matches once more and use this as a benchmark to make additional progress in our efficiency. This tour has absolutely helped lots,” Marijne stated.
Talking in regards to the gamers expertise towards Argentina, skipper Rani stated, “In 2017 after we performed towards Argentina on the World League Semi Last, we stood no probability of coming near them. We could not go into their circle. We could not create alternatives or PCs.
“I bear in mind, earlier than going into matches towards high groups like Argentina, we might inform one another that we must always simply try to hold the rating low however now we go into these matches desirous to win.
“There is a huge distinction now and with a bit extra change to our sport, we will positively beat high groups. The entire expertise of the tour was unbelievable, and we all know the extent we’re at regardless of a year-long break in competitions attributable to covid-19.”
Marijne stated one of many key points of the tour was to offer ample publicity to a number of the younger gamers.
“This tour was additionally about giving gamers who haven’t got a lot worldwide expertise the possibility to indicate their stage. This can be a long-term course of, and it’s important for the way forward for the group,” Marijne stated.