The Indian women's hockey team is gearing up for the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, and the memories of their dramatic Tokyo Olympic qualification in 2021 are still fresh. In a two-match showdown against the USA, India secured a Tokyo berth with a last-minute Rani Rampal strike, creating both heartbreak and joy.
As the team faces the same opponent in the qualifiers starting in Ranchi, head coach Janneke Schopman, formerly with the USA team, hopes for a smoother journey this time. The tournament, a detour forced by a third-place finish in the Asian Games, offers Olympic spots to the top three teams from the eight-team competition.
Schopman emphasizes not dwelling on the past and focuses on the lessons learned from the Asian Games. The team, led by captain Savita Punia, seeks redemption after a bronze at the Asian Games and aims to qualify for the Paris Olympics. Despite the pressure, Schopman believes playing in Ranchi, where the team won the Asian Champions Trophy, can be advantageous.
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The absence of senior player Vandana Katariya due to injury puts pressure on younger forwards like Sangita Kumari and Deepika. The team, ranked second in the tournament, faces the challenge of maintaining composure under pressure, especially in penalty corner conversions, an area of struggle.
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As India strives to secure a spot in the upcoming Paris Olympics, Schopman acknowledges the fierce competition, emphasizing that every team, regardless of ranking, is determined to qualify. The tournament promises to be a challenging journey for the Indian women's hockey team, hoping for a smoother qualification compared to their Tokyo saga.
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