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Lucknow: Dec. 23: Tuesday brought in some good news for hockey aficionados. After some impressive showing at the fifth U-21 Women Junior Asia Cup in Kuala Lumpur, the Indian girls returned home to a rousing welcome, late on Monday.

The Indian girls not only claimed the bronze meal int eh event but also booked a berth for th 6th Junior Women’s Junior World Cup scheduled to be held in Boston in August.

“We are capable enough of making it to the semifinals of the world meet,” coach GS Bhangu told Hindustan Times on Tuesday. “But, before that we need to work hard on physical fitness. Though, I feel we have improved our penalty corner conversions.”

“Our aim at Asia Cup was to play an attacking and tactical game against the teams like China, Korea and Singapore in group matches, and that paid rich dividend,” Bangu added.

The coach felt that the girls shouldn t be considered for the senior team trials as it would distrub their preparations for the Junior World Cup.

Sharad Deep in Hindustan Times.