As the Indian Women’s Hockey Team gears up for the Asian Champions Trophy in Rajgir, Bihar, their primary mission is clear: refine their goal-scoring abilities. Under the guidance of head coach Harendra Singh, the team aims to rebound from a disappointing Olympic qualifier against Japan, where India narrowly missed a chance to qualify for the Paris Olympics due to missed opportunities in front of the goal. Coach Harendra, returning to the squad, has emphasized the importance of tactical precision and composure inside the scoring circle.
“Decision-making in the circle is crucial,” Harendra noted. “Players need to stay calm and composed when receiving the ball. It’s not just about shooting for a goal, but also about making smart moves that create scoring opportunities for the team.”
Penalty Corner Focus
A core area of improvement has been Penalty Corner (PC) conversions. With veteran PC specialist Gurjit Kaur out of the lineup, young forward Deepika and emerging player Manisha Chauhan are now stepping into the role. Harendra has been diligently working with these players to develop India’s PC strength, believing in the importance of cultivating versatile drag flickers who can contribute in all areas of play. “In this Olympic cycle, I am confident we’ll have four or five strong flickers,” he said. “I want flickers who can perform like Harmanpreet, both in PCs and general play.”
A Fresh Start for Strikers
With the retirement of legendary scorer Rani Rampal and the absence of Vandana Katariya from the ACT squad, the spotlight shifts to promising forwards like Deepika, Sangita Kumari, and Beauty Dungdung. Harendra has encouraged his players to focus on teamwork, emphasizing that helping teammates score is just as valuable as personal achievement. “ACT will be a critical test of our players’ ability to set each other up for goals,” he remarked. “It’s about wearing India’s flag on the front and working together to win.”
Leadership and New Opportunities
With Salima Tete and Navneet Kaur serving as captain and vice-captain, the team has two dedicated leaders prepared to guide this youthful squad in Rajgir. Harendra’s vision for the team focuses on balancing skill development with a strong sense of camaraderie. As India looks to rebuild its reputation in women’s hockey, the Asian Champions Trophy provides a perfect platform for younger players to shine and for the team to realign its strategies for scoring success.
India’s ACT Squad:
- Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam
- Defenders: Udita, Jyoti, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Ishika Chaudhary
- Midfielders: Neha, Salima Tete (Captain), Sharmila Devi, Manisha Chauhan, Sunelita Toppo, Lalremsiami
- Forwards: Navneet Kaur (Vice-Captain), Preeti Dubey, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Beauty Dungdung
With renewed focus and Harendra’s strategic guidance, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team is primed to make a strong statement at the Asian Champions Trophy.
