‘Contest with Australia, NZ will be important’

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New Delhi, 08 April 2015: Just couple of days away from the Hawke’s Bay Cup, The Indian Women Hockey team reached New Zealand to play the all important tournament. Due to start on 11th April 2015, the tournament is slotted to go on till 19th April 2015. With eight teams vying for the title, India will meet China on the opening day which will be followed by Australia taking on USA, Argentina clashing against Korea and the hosts taking on Japan.

The tournament is important as it will help highlight the combination of players and how are they delivering as a unit when under pressure situations. Placed in Group B of Hockey Women’s World League Semi-Final, India will be facing Australia and New Zealand besides Belgium and Poland. With Australia and New Zealand playing the Hawke’s Bay Cup, India will get the opportunity to understand their loopholes when they face them and time to work on them before the all important clash in June 2015.

Speaking on the Tournament, Captain Ritu Rani said, “The team is in good shape and we are excited for the tournament ahead. While we will keep it simple, play to our strengths, but I think attack will be the key. With Rani and Poonam Rani’s experience and speed I am sure we will give a tough time to the opponents defence. Also with Anuradha Thockchom in the team she will add the required boost to our attack”.

Talking on the clash against Australia and New Zealand, she added: “While we will use our clash against them to analyze our weaknesses, we will also even take the matches to understand how do their players fare when put under pressure and areas where we outwitted them through our skilful play. I think it will be a two way opportunity for the teams as the upcoming tournament in June is important for every participating team”.

The Hawke’s Bay Cup will be played from 11 April 2015 – 19 April 2015 and eight teams will be seen fighting it out for the title. India will play their first match against China at 6.00 AM IST on 11 April 2015. The matches will be LIVE Streamed on www.hockeyfestival.nz.