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BANGKOK: High on confidence after their good start in the tournament, India would look for at least a point to inch towards the semi-finals when
they take on formidable China in a Women’s Asia Cup hockey match on Tuesday.

A win against the Chinese would ensure India through to Friday’s semi-finals.

But even if they lose the Indian eves will still be in contention for the last four stage. In that case, India will have to beat Malaysia in their last Group A match to qualify as group runners-up.

Judging by the credentials, China are clear favourites on Tuesday at the Queen Sikirt Sports Centre as they had won a silver at the last Olympics, a gold in the last Asian Games and a third rank in the FIH ladder, clear 11 rungs over India.

Indian coach MK Kaushik was, however, undeterred by such credentials and is looking for a win, which would be a revenge of their 2-4 loss in the bronze medal play-off in the last edition of the tournament.

“A victory at this stage will boost our morale,” Kaushik said.

Kaushik is understandably upbeat after his wards’ performance in the tournament so far — 13-0 win against Singapore and 15-0 routing of Thailand. India’s build-up to the event was also perfect as they defeated defending champions Japan 1-0 in a practice game.

The Indians will though have to improve their performance several notches up than their earlier two matches when they play China who are in the elite league with participations in the Olympics, World Cup and Champions Trophy.

Kaushik’s wards are languishing at World Level III circuit like Champions Challenge II.

India will have to particularly give special attention to goalkeeping which has been their weak area in the tournament.

“We have to improve in this area. We have however taken a cautious decision to field different goalkeeper for each half in order groom both of them,” said Kaushik.

China were, however, a bit rusty in their 4-0 win over Malaysia in their last group match after drubbing Singapore 13-0, and India would be keen to deny early momentum to their opponents.

China coach Kim-sam Ryul attributes the team’s rustiness to the lack of preparations due to the just-concluded recent National Games back home.

“Our National Games in which 12 provinces took part was over only on October 15. Then the players went for a break. We had only two days training before we left for Bangkok,” he said.

China’s strength, besides loads of experience, is the hard-working trio of striker Fu Bo Rong (182 caps), captain and defender Ma Yibo (144 caps) and the midfield maestro Li Hua Gao (144 caps).

They man each layer with immaculate precision. Goalie Zhang Yi Meng is no patch of legendary Nie Ya Li whom she succeeded, but coach Ryul considers her the best in China although her prowess is hardly tested in the tournament so far.

Another worry for Kaushik could well be China’s strike force, with already 10 players carving their names on the scoreboard, and marking Chinese forwards will be a tough task.

Indian defenders Subhadra Pradhan and Binita Toppo will have to raise their performance to keep a check on the Chinese attacking line spearheaded by four-times FIH Player of the Year nominee, Fu Bo Rong.