FIH Women’s Series Finals | Rani Rampal praises team's aggressive approach and scientific methods

FIH Women’s Series Finals | Rani Rampal praises team's aggressive approach and scientific methods

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Hockey India

India women’s hockey captain Rani Rampal has heaped praise on coach Sjoerd Marijne’s aggressive approach after FIH Series Finals win and credited Scientific Advisor Wayne Lombard’s systematic training methods. She also hailed Gurjit Kaur’s massive improvement as a drag flicker in the side.

The Indian eves defeated Japan 3-1 in the final to earn the honours before the team returned on Monday night. It has been a brilliant campaign for the Indian side as they scored 27 goals in the tournament and conceded just four.

India had a resounding victory over most of their opponents with their biggest margin being 11-0 against Fiji. The good form has been seen in their campaigns when they drew 1-1 with Spain earlier in the four-match series earlier this year and obviously, the 5-2 win over the hosts in the same series. And skipper Rampal has credited the aggressive game and high fitness levels for India’s recent achievements.

"Hockey has definitely changed and we have changed accordingly. The present day's hockey has a lot to do with your fitness levels. The teams which are giving due importance to fitness are doing better. In the last two years, India women's hockey team has worked very hard on fitness. The credit for the same goes to our scientific trainer Wayne Lombard,” said Rampal, reported Firstpost.

The Scientific Advisor of the side, Lombard has been with the side for two years now and has been responsible for the players’ higher fitness level and a changed diet with his systematic approach in training.

"He has been with us for two years and has worked on our strength and conditioning. He has advised us on diet, what diet one should take for recovery. He organized a systematic way of training. That for how many days should we train in a week, when to train. These things have helped the team a lot in the long run. Coach has always emphasized on playing aggressive hockey and fitness has helped us achieve that," added Rampal.

Among the stars that India saw on the tournament was Gurjit Kaur, who scored a whopping 11 times and the skipper was all praise for the player who has shaped up well as a drag-flicker, which would be beneficial for India in the future. 

"We knew Gurjit will come good for us as she has really improved upon the drag-flicking. She is shaping up well and we will be benefitted by her game in future," she added.

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