Indian women’s hockey eyes strong Australia finish

New Delhi

The Indian women’s hockey team is aiming to finish their Australia tour on a positive note as they prepare for their final two matches against the Australian senior team today (May 3) and May 4.

Led by captain Salima Tete and vice-captain Navneet Kaur, India is using this tour to test new strategies ahead of major events like the FIH Pro League and next year’s World Cup. Although they have yet to win a game, the team has shown promise in attack and defense, with a blend of youth and experience.

India played two games against the Australia A side and lost narrowly to the senior team 0-2 in Perth. Despite the losses, the team has remained determined, with head coach Harendra Singh emphasizing the importance of these tough matches in building a competitive squad.

Singh acknowledged that the defeats were painful, especially after giving away easy goals. However, he stressed that playing against strong opponents is vital for the younger players' development and the team’s long-term goals.

“The results haven’t favored us, but the experience is invaluable,” Singh said. “This tour is crucial for our growth as we prepare for future international competitions.”

The Indian team has made visible progress under Singh’s leadership and aims to correct mistakes while building confidence. With just two games left on the tour, the Women in Blue are eager to end on a high and gain momentum for the busy season ahead.