FIH Women’s Series Finals | We must play consistent to be successful, says Sjoerd Marijne

FIH Women’s Series Finals | We must play consistent to be successful, says Sjoerd Marijne

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Hockey India

India women’s team coach Sjoerd Marijne has stated that the side is well aware of their highest rank in the tournament but has stressed the girls to be consistent to be successful. The Indian eves are clubbed alongside Poland, Uruguay and Fiji in Pool A of the FIH Women’s Hockey Series Finals.

The ninth-ranked Indian side would be the highest ranked team when they take on 24 ranked Uruguay in their first match of the campaign. The women’s tournament has been scheduled to start next Saturday in Hiroshima.

The coach has stressed the importance of the team getting all the 500 ranking points that would be quintessential for the next round of qualifiers in India’s quest to the Tokyo Olympics.

“As the highest ranked team, it’s important for us to win and get 500 ranking points, which will be very important when it comes to the draw for the next round of qualifiers. But we must play consistent to be successful,” Marijne said before the team’s departure, reported PTI.

“We had three tours before this and they went well, giving us confidence. In between, we were able to work on our fitness and specific skills during camps. We played against different styles so we are prepared on everything. We have also worked on the mental side to grow as a team and as individuals. We worked on stuff like giving feedback to each other, leadership and taking responsibility so that we don’t get distracted or hung up on the end result,” he added.

After India, the next higher ranked teams are Japan and Chile, who are both in Pool B alongside Mexico and Russia. Being the host side and being well acquainted with the conditions, Japan are more than expected to be in the final and Marijne has righTly stated that they cannot be underestimated.

Marijne, though, is hopeful of India’s chances of Tokyo participation. “We are ninth and 12 teams can participate so it’s a very realistic goal for us. We are working hard to make sure we book our tickets to Tokyo but our current focus is on doing well here,” he said.

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