With the recent Asian Games gold medal loss still fresh in their memories, the Indian women’s hockey team will want to show off their true potential when they play Thailand here on Friday in the Asian Champions Trophy.
India overcame Japan 2-1 to secure the bronze medal in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, but fell 0–4 against China in the semifinals.
The Indians, who began as favorites and were hoping for a gold in the Asian Games, which would have guaranteed them a spot in the Olympics in Paris the following year, were disappointed with their bronze medal, however.
However, the ACT will provide the Savita Punia-led team the ideal opportunity to get revenge for their loss to silver medallists Korea and defending Asian Games winners China, with whom they drew 1-1 in the league stages.
The event will include six teams: Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Japan, and the hosts, India. The six teams will compete against one another in the league round robin round, with the top four teams moving on to the semifinals.
The sole significant absence from the Asian Games roster is seasoned midfielder Sushila Chanu, who has been rested due to a possible anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Chief coach Janneke Schopman of India has selected a tried and trusted lineup.
Sushila has been replaced in the team by Baljeet Kaur.
Along with Sharmila Devi, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, who was also a member of the Asian Games team, has been selected as a substitute player and will accompany the squad as a backup.
With the exception of Sushila, the team announced for the ACT, which will be place at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf Hockey Stadium from October 27 to November 5, did not include any major shocks.
The other favorites in the competition, besides India, are gold medallists at the Asian Games and reigning champions Japan.
India will face Malaysia on October 28, China on October 30, Japan on October 31, and Korea on November 2 after their match against Thailand. November 4 and 5 are the dates for the semifinals and final.
With the exception of one poor performance against China in the quarterfinals, the Indians were almost flawless at the Asian Games, and they would like to get over that setback and start again in the ACT.
In addition, India will use the competition as a springboard for the Olympic qualifications that will take place here the following year.
“No team should be taken lightly in a competition like this one. We are excited for these games because they will give us a chance to prove ourselves against some of the strongest teams in Asia.
Naturally, we want to succeed here and win every game. We also want to be ready for the Paris 2024 Olympic Qualifiers, which Ranchi will host. The primary test before the ultimate task of earning an Olympic spot is this event, according to India captain Savita.
Chief coach of India Schopman concurred with Savita.
It’s a fantastic chance to play these matches before the Olympic Qualifications. It enables us to observe the other teams and evaluate how players carry out their designated responsibilities.
The Dutchman said, “We had encouraging results at the Asian Games, and I can’t wait to watch our team in action.”
After seven years, India will also be trying to win their second Asian Champions Trophy for women.
In addition to being third in 2010, India had previously won the championship in 2016 and had been runners-up in both the 2013 and 2018 competitions.
India is hosting the women’s ACT for the first time.
On the first day of competition, the defending champion Japan will play Malaysia, while China will play South Korea.
