Indian women out to replicate 1980 feat

Y.B. Sarangi

The only moment of Olympic glory for the Indian women’s hockey team was its participation in the mega event at Moscow in 1980. Thirty-two years on, the side has a fabulous chance of replicating its feat at the National Stadium.

The preparation may have been overshadowed by the intense focus on the men’s progress in the run-up to the Olympic qualifying event, but team coach C.R. Kumar and his assistants have worked hard to keep the players focused on their goal.

Unlike the men, the women’s team is not the overwhelming favourite. However, the host, ranked second in the event and 13th in the world, has a decent chance. It has to see off World No. 12 South Africa, the only side with a potential to spoil the party for India.

The other teams in the fray — Italy (ranked 19th), Canada (20th), Ukraine (26th) and Poland (28th) — will only be able to upset India’s applecart if the home team allows them to do so. Subhadra Pradhan, a seasoned defender with over 130 caps, hit the nail on the head. “We play well against stronger teams, but we tend to get complacent against weaker opponents. We have to be consistent throughout the tournament,” she said.

The only other concern is India’s sluggish start. “We have to release the ball quickly in order to keep possession,” observed Kumar.

Otherwise, the side has peaked at the right time. Kumar has aimed at scoring maximum goals through penalty corner conversions. So, apart from relying on Jaspreet Kaur and Joydeep Kaur for drag-flicks, he has given importance to scoring off variations.

With ace strikers Rani and Jasjeet Kaur Handa getting fitter and quicker, the forwards are ready to put pressure on the rivals. The midfield, controlled by the astute Asunta Lakra, who is also the captain, and her talented deputy Kirandeep Kaur, has the luxury of some experienced players.
Ukraine first up

On Saturday, India needs to start its campaign on a note of caution against Ukraine, which made the qualifier after finishing fifth in the tier-2 event of the Euro championship. The European nation, unable to prepare well because of extremely cold conditions back home, may have come into the tournament with only eight days of practice in Spain, but it has the comfort of former Indian men’s team coach Jose Brasa as its adviser.

Following its tournament opener, India will meet Canada, Poland, South Africa and Italy, in that order. The classification matches are scheduled for February 25.