Extremely satisfied with the performance shown by Indian women in hockey team against Argentina. Coach Sjoerd Marijne said that “exposure trip” has helped the players to understand what efforts it takes to beat a top team.
The Indian centre group played out two draws (2-2, 1-1) against the Argentina Junior group and lost two matches (1-2,2-3) to Argentina ‘B’ group prior to losing two matches (2-3,0-2) and squeezing out a 1-1 draw against the world number two sides.
After playing their first competitive tour since coronavirus break the team will return home on Wednesday.
Marijne said in the released issued by Hockey India that,“In each of three matches against the senior women, it was firmly challenged , and the matches might have gone in any case. Indeed, even the match where we lost 0-2, they were exceptionally powerful, yet our nature of play was extremely high in that game.”
“Overall, this tour has helped us gain that confidence of playing against top team like Argentina. We also had a chance to experience what it takes to beat a team like Argentina and on which area we need to focus. This is a good and positive step in our preparations for the Olympic Games.”
“In 2017 when we played against Argentina at the World League Semi Final, we had no possibility of approaching them. We were unable to go into their circle. We were unable to set out open doors or PCs.” Said by skipper Rani, while speaking about the experience against Argentina.
“I remember, prior to going into matches against top groups like Argentina, we would disclose to one another that we should simply attempt to keep the score low yet now we go into these matches needing to win.”
Marijne said, “This tour was all about giving an international experience to players and to them chance to show their potential. This is a long term process, and it is important for the future of the team.”
