The Hindu: The driving force behind the women’s team

Her frail appearance is deceptive because she can last a hockey match and not run out of breath. Ritu Rani, centre half, is the driving force of the Indian team that figures in the Olympics at Rio. A critical phase of recognition for women’s hockey is what Ritu believes it would be.

Speaking to The Hindu here on Friday, Ritu emphasised the importance of the event. “A good show at Rio would mean so much to women’s hockey. We have been striving for visibility and support and we can get what we want provided the team shines at the Olympics.”

Neil Hawgood, coach of the team, agrees. “The pressure of expectations would be there but it shall also mean big experience. Knowing that, pressure is good. You perform and you get what you deserve.

“I can see a pleasant rise in the confidence of the team and the girls obviously aim to achieve a goal at Rio. You create luck by working hard.

“I can assure you this bunch is learning and getting better and better.” Penalty corner conversion is the team’s forte.

“We are strong in this area. The variations are a plus point and we have also worked on man-to-man working. We have improved our fitness and speed and need to work on physical aspect of taking on the tougher opponents.”

She adds with a laughter, “they push us easily. For them speed and strength is natural even though we are good in skills.”

The recent tour to New Zealand was not very encouraging. “The main players were not there,” Ritu points out. The team embarks on a tour to England this week and then plays a four-nation tournament in Australia before a seven-week preparation that takes them to Rio. “We are concentrating on plugging sluggish starts. We conceded early goal and that spoils our plans. It affects the confidence too.”

The 24-year-old Indian hockey skipper speaks for her fraternity when she pleads for support. “We also win but the attention does not match the deeds.

“We feel public support is lacking. It is an essential element for any team, it inspires us to do well. Even the talented girls at the junior level don’t even get proper diet. It also hurts to play in front of empty stands but the pain is greater when media also ignores us. We need support from all quarters.”

An Income Tax Inspector, Ritu was with the police until recently. Why did she switch? “As a police Inspector I had to run around a lot. Just as I do on the hockey field. It is better here,” she smiles.

Ritu signs off with a plea. “Support women’s hockey. The team would do the country proud.”