Keeping eyes on 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Hockey India name 22 players for senior women's national camp

New Delhi, October 12: Focussing on preparing the team for two-match FIH Olympic Qualifiers against USA to be held on November 1 and 2, Hockey India on Saturday named 22 players for the senior women's national camp to begin at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar from October 14. The best of the two matches will determine the team that will qualify for 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

 

 

In their recent tour of England, the Indian women's team led by Rani Rampal won their first match against Great Britain 2-1, while drew three matches before losing 1-3 to the home team.

  

"It was a good tour because we got to play a strong team like Great Britain and we did well against the pressure Great Britain created in each of the match. The one week break I believe will give the players enough time to recover mentally and physically," said Indian women's team chief coach Sjoerd Marijne.

 

"There is a lot of excitement among the players to compete in Bhubaneswar which has truly become a hockey destination for world events. During the camp, it is important for the team to get used to the pitch and we are also looking at playing practice matches amongst ourselves," he added.

 

Meanwhile, keeping eyes on Tokyo in 2020, as the Land of the Rising Sun prepares to host the largest sporting event in the world, Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju met the Japanese Ambassador in India, HE Kenji Hiramatsu today, and discussed about Japan's Olympic preparations and more.