Bengaluru: Full of confidence after securing a historic fifth place in the World Cup, the Indian women's hockey team left for Japan on Tuesday to participate in the Asian Games. The Indian team led by captain Salima Tete is now eyeing to win gold in the Asiad. The team that wins the gold medal will get direct qualification for the Olympic Games to be held in Los Angeles in 2028.
Under the supervision of coach Sjoerd Marin, the Indian team performed brilliantly in the recent World Cup. The team recorded its best result since 1974 by finishing fifth. This performance has given new strength to the team's morale and now the Indian players will enter the Asian Games with the intention of maintaining this momentum.
Salima Tete told the team's clear goal
Captain Salima Tete said the team is going into the Asian Games with increased confidence, but is also aware that every tournament brings with it new challenges.
He said that the Nations Cup and World Cup performances have given the team confidence in what it can achieve when united. According to Salima, the team's goal is clear – to win the gold medal in the Asian Games and qualify directly for the Los Angeles Olympics.
The captain also said that to achieve this goal, the team will have to give its best performance in every match with consistency and discipline.
Japan and Thailand join India in Pool B
The Indian women's hockey team has been placed in Pool B at the Asian Games along with Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Uzbekistan.
India will start its campaign against Uzbekistan on September 20. After this the team matches will be as follows:
- 20 September: india vs uzbekistan
- 21 September: India vs Indonesia
- 23 September: India vs Thailand
- 25 September: india vs japan
- 27 September: india vs singapore
The knockout matches will be played on September 30, while the gold medal match will be played on October 2.
Trust in young faces along with experienced players
A balance of experience and youthful enthusiasm will be seen in the Indian team. Apart from goalkeeper Savita, experienced players like Navneet Kaur, Neha, Nikki Pradhan, Lalremsiami and Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam have got a place in the team.
At the same time, many young players have impressed with their performances in recent matches. The team will try to maintain the World Cup momentum in the Asian Games as well.
India's 20-member team for Asian Games
Goalkeeper: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defender: Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi Dabas
Midfielder: Nikki Pradhan, Sakshi Rana, Sunilita Toppo, Salima Tete (captain), Neha, Deepika Soreng
Forward: Lalremsiami, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, Beauty Dungdung
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