Hockey World Cup:18-Member Indian Eves Leave For Belgium

11 June, New Delhi

An 18-member Indian women’s team, led by Ritu Rani, departed for Belgium from here this morning to take part in the Hockey World League (HWL) Semi-Final in Antwerp from June 20-July 5.

India is placed in Pool B with Australia, New Zealand, Belgium and Poland and will be playing the opening match against the home team Belgium on June 20. India is aiming high and has been practicing meticulously and bracing up under the headship of their newly appointed Chief Coach Mathias Ahrens.

Speaking just before the departure, Ritu said, ”This tournament is extremely important for us. Clinching the title of the FIH Hockey World League Round 2 has boosted the teams confidence and we hope to perform and beat the teams ahead of us on the FIH ranking and which will help us book the all important place in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

We have worked on our penalty corner conversions and we are looking at a positive result at the end of the tournament.” Commenting on the teams preparations, chief coach Mathias Ahrens said, ”I am confident and we will reap good results.

The girls are looking confident as a unit. While we have worked on various strategies, the goalkeepers on their end have been practicing on their reaction time. That I think will be the key as they have to ensure that they do not give away easy goals.

The team realizes that the tournament is very important that they are leaving nothing to chance.” A total ten teams, divided in two pools, will be seen fighting to finish in top three to qualify for the FIH Hockey World League Final 2015.