Defence will be key, says Indian women’s vice-captain Savita

Defence will be key, says Indian women’s vice-captain Savita

BENGALURU: With both the Senior teams in their final week of preparation for the Olympic Test Event which takes place in Tokyo, Japan from August 17 - 21, 2019, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team’s Vice-Captain and Goalkeeper Savita has said that she believes that defending well against the likes of World No. 2 Australia, World No. 11 China and World No. 14 Japan will play a crucial role in determining if India can win the competition.

“We have a very talented bunch of players in our team, and these players have been playing together for a long time. We understand each other on and off the field, and it is something that helps us immensely to perform collectively. We also understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and are able to help out our teammates in crunch situations,” said 29-year-old Savita.

She continued, “We will be playing a very strong team in Australia who we played well against during last year’s Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast.” 

“It was a tough defeat to take as we lost by a solitary goal, and it was the Semi-Final of the tournament. However, we were proud of our performance, and to match the World No. 2 side in all departments is something that was good to see.” 

“This time, we need to make sure that we defend well as a unit, and not give them any easy chances. I feel that the defense will be the key in determining who wins the upcoming tournament in the Tokyo Olympics.”

The Indian team is scheduled to leave for Tokyo this Sunday, and will play their first match against hosts Japan on August 17.

Historically, Japan have had the upper hand in proceedings as they have won 34 out of the 65 matches played between the two teams, with India winning 15. 

However, in the last 10 meetings between the two teams, India have won three, while Japan have won four with three matches ending in draws.

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