NEW DELHI: Forward Anuradha Devi says the Indian women’s hockey team is a more confident bunch under new coach Mathias Ahrens as it prepares for the FIH World League semifinals to be held later in the month.

The 18-member squad for the tournament beginning June 20 was announced last week and the team currently is training at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.

Having realised their strengths and areas of improvement in the recent FIH World League Round 2 in New Delhi and the Hawkes’ Bay Cup in New Zealand, the team is working on plugging the holes.

“It has been a learning time under the new coach. We are feeling more confident as we realise 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,” said Anuradha.

“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 favour. We are confident and look forward to our opening match,” she added.

India will play their first match of the World League against Belgium on June 20.