Win at Russia is only the first step: Kaushik

Manuja Veerappa

Bengaluru

June 30: More often than not a title triumph means full-fledged celebrations but the Indian women’s hockey team, who won the inaugural Champions Challenge II at Kazan in Russia last week, is steering clear of any such idea.

The reason is not far to seek. The triumphant team, which arrived home on Tuesday, has now set their sights on qualifying for the Champions Trophy and will start preparing to overcome the final hurdle – the Champions Challenge I, from next week.

Speaking to this newspaper, chief coach M.K. Kaushik said, “This victory was a morale-booster. We deserve to be among the Champions Trophy teams. This was only the first step and we hope to repeat this performance in the Champions Challenge I. A victory there will book our berth for the Champions Trophy.”

On the team’s performance, the former Olympian said, “Overall, we put up a good show, but we also have to consider the fact that we didn’t play top-class teams there. This tournament was a learning experience. I was happy with the rebound, scoring and dodging. There is a lot of room for improvement. The girls performed to just 40 per cent of their ability, they need to push themselves to give at least 90%.”

Rani, the top-scorer in the event, was adjudged the Young Player of the Tournament, while skipper Surinder Kaur named the Player of the Tournament.