Indian Goalie E.Rajani: “We work hard, success is overdue
Due to somewhat misfiring forwardline and haphazard midfield that India is displaying here in Singapore, its Indian defence and goalkeeper that comes under immense pressure. Rio returned E. Rajani shoulders the responsibility of guarding the cage, and its her good game that went behind India’s final reach. She speaks to www.stick2hockey.com before the crucial Saturday Final. India had just finished its last pool match, losing a hard-fought match to China 2-3.
It was a game that had the backing of full stands, mostly of local Indians still India had lost.
Rajani feels its because of defence game that his team played that led to the loss.
“We were not attacking. Almost three quarters we were so. It affected defence. We came under pressure, conceded two quick goals too. Its not easy to come back, but we did”.
“We had an excellent fourth quarter in which we struck two quick goals too”.
On facing the same rival, Rajani feels India has advantage.
“It is beneficial, because today we understood our strength and weakness. It will come handy in the final. It will help us improve”.
“We will not repeat the mistakes we committed today”.
“We will at the same time add to the strong points and will try to beat the Chinese for the gold”.
On her focus areas against formidable looking China in the final, shefelt tht the team need to concentrate essentially on two aspects:
“We have concentrate on penalty corner defence.”
“We have to exhibit controlled game in pressure situation.”
Rajani is also aware that Indian men have won two Asian level tournaments
“Yes, there is good environment all over. These teams worked hard and brought success. Its good. Its our turn now”.
“We are also working hard, and success is our due”.