Can Indian women repeat the Essen form today at Dublin? This question flashes across the mind as India gets easiest of chance to improve its sagging morale, as it takes on Ireland in its first international match in 8 months, at Dublin, in the Champions Challenge I tournament.

India thrashed Ireland 6-0 June last year in Germany in the Essen 4-Nation Cup, with captain Surinder Kaur, now dropped, scoring three goals, the rest split by Deepkia Thakur and Jasjeet Kaur (brace). The last two named are now in Dublin.

India takes on the hosts Ireland today at Dublin in the Champions Challenge I.

India-Ireland match is scheduled for Saturday 19.30hrs IST. India will take on Spain tomorrow at 22.30 hrs IST. The third and last pool match for India is against Azerbaijan on 21st (20.30 hrs IST).

This is the first international assignment for Indian women after last year’s Asian Games.

This is also first serious challenge for veteran coach CR Kumar, who took over the women’s regime in April this year.

Indian girls, known for under-performing for last two years at least, can reclaim some lost prestige in this Grade II tournament. However, even on good times, India used to have tough time against every European team, weaker teams troubling more.

A good beginning therefore will do a world of good for India to reach the quarterfinal first and then think of further progress in Dublin.

Not long ago, India was on par with the likes of USA and Spain, other contenders in Dublin, but the Asia Cup silver medallist nowadays are not in focus. A good game against Ireland can turn the tide at least now onwards.

Indian team at Dublin

Preety Sunila Kiro
Asunta Lakra
Kirandeep Kaur
Rosalind Lalchhananhimi Ralte
Chanchan Thokchom
Savita Punnia (GK)
Yogita Bali (GK)
Ritu Rani
Rani Poonam
Deepika Thakur
Jasjeet Kaur
Mukta Prava Barla
Soundarya Yendala
Anuradha Devi Thokchom
Jaspreet Kaur
Saba Anjum
Joydeep
Rani Rampal

Coach: CR Kumar

Assistant Coach: Tingonleima Chanu
Manager: Dr. Sudershan Pathak