Business Standard: ‘Indian junior hockey eves have to close gaps’

Indian junior women’s hockey team goalkeeper Inderpreet Kaur on Tuesday said that teammates have to step up at the Junior Asia Cup to close the gaps in the field.

India have been placed in Pool A with hosts China, Malaysia, Singapore and North Korea for the seventh Junior Asia Cup to be held here from September 5 to 13. India will open their outing against North Korea on September 5.

“The team is upbeat and we are confident of showcasing a strong performance in the pool phase. We along with chief coach Mathias Ahrens are working on the defence structure of the team. We have to ensure that we close the gaps on time by ensuring that we cover each other up,” said Inderpreet.

“We are very clear that there is very less scope to make mistakes and allowing easy goals should be avoided by each one of us. Also taking possession and going on the counter attack will be the key and each one of us is ready for the test ahead.”

The Junior Asia Cup gives an opportunity to qualify for the 2016 Junior World Cup. A total of nine teams are participating in this tournament.