New Delhi, 1 June 2015: With the Fintro FIH Hockey World League Semi-Finals all set to commence on 20 June 2015, the 18 member squad of the Indian Women team which was announced last week is seen practicing and honing their skills at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium before departing for the much awaited tournament. Having realized their strengths and areas of improvement in the recently culminated FIH World League Round 2 played in New Delhi and the Hawkes’ Bay Cup played in New Zealand, the team is working on departments which will help them give a tough time to the opponents on the field.

Practicing under new Chief Coach Mathias Ahrens, learning and putting into play new skills the team is upbeat for their first clash against Belgium to be played on the opening day of the tournament. Having made clear that holding on to the ball is the key in the opponents D, the team has been working on passes and tackles which will help them capitalize on the opportunities.

Key forward player, Anuradha Devi said “It’s been a learning time under the new Coach. We are feeling more confident as we realize that while we break the defence chain of opponents, what we need is, to hold on to the ball, ensure clean short pass and cash in on the opportunity. This has to happen in minimum time and we are working on this very closely. This will be our focus and we are hoping we will have things in our favor. We are confident and look forward to our opening match”.

The FIH Hockey World League Semi-Final will be played from 20 June to 04 July 2015 and ten teams will be seen fighting it out for the title. India will play their first match against Belgium at 07.30 PM IST on 20 June 2015. The matches will be telecasted LIVE on Star Sports.