We are looking to improve as a team on Malaysia tour, says Savita

The Indian women’s hockey team all set to travel to Malaysia in the coming week as they step up preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifiers, which are to be held later this year. The 18-member Indian women's hockey team are scheduled to play a five-match series against Malaysia, which will begin from April 4 onwards.

In a recent interview with PTI, India captain Savita has revealed that her squad would look to improve as a unit when they take on Malaysia and will be keen to work on key areas of improvement ahead of the Olympic qualifiers.

"Earlier this year we played in Spain where we did well against the hosts and Ireland. We will carry the same confidence into Malaysia and look to improve on key areas which we felt needed to be worked on after analysing our performance in Spain.

"Whatever we are doing now is all part of the preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics qualifying event later this year and we are looking to improve as a team as well as our individual performance," explained Savita.

The Indian team will be missing a few key players through injury such as experienced striker Rani, midfielder Namita Toppo, and dragflicker Gurjit Kaur. Savita added that the tour would be a good platform for the youngsters to step up and make use of the opportunity handed to them.

"I think we have good depth in the team now with quite a few talented youngsters who have had good international exposure. They know what is required at this level and are aware of their individual responsibilities. This will be a good tour for them to show their capabilities so that they will stand a chance to make the team for the all important 2020 Tokyo Olympics Qualifying event this year," she said.