2021 Tokyo Olympics | Indian women's hockey team have healthy mix of experience and youth, states Lilima Minz

“In the National Camp for the Olympic Core group right now there is a very healthy mix of experienced players who have played many international games for India before, and young players who have the hunger and drive to prove themselves at the highest level. This kind of balance allows the young players to have the guidance of senior members who know what it is like to play at the Olympic level before. At the same time, these young players keep the senior members on their toes as they know that there is someone who can replace them if do not perform well,” said the 27-year-old midfielder. 

While reflecting on the similarities between this National Camp and the team that went to the Rio Olympic Games in 2016, Lilima said that it is helpful to have a core group of players who have experienced an occasion like the Olympics before.

“There are a lot of new and young players in this camp who have brought a fresh approach and good healthy competition to the team. There is good competition for places in the final squad and I have to work hard and prove my worth for my inclusion if I want to make it there. That is what keeps me motivated to keep performing, as it is every player’s dream to play the Olympics, and I know that all our players are all doing the same,” said Lilima.