Indian women’s hockey team seeks inspiration from Tokyo Games win against Australia in semifinal
PTI, Aug 5, 2022, 8:07 AM IST
India women's hockey team (Credit: AFP)
Birmingham: The Indian women’s hockey team would look to draw inspiration from its Tokyo Olympics success when it takes on mighty Australia in the second semifinal of the Commonwealth Games here on Friday.
India had stunned Australia 1-0 in the quarterfinals of the Tokyo Olympics last year. And come Friday, the Savita Punia-led side would look to do an encore here.
But it would be easier said than done as Australia are by far the dominant force in the CWG with four gold medals in six editions since hockey’s introduction at the Games in 1998.
The Hockeyroos are in sublime form here having topped their pool with four wins from as many games and that too without conceding a single goal.
India, on the other hand, finished second in Pool A behind hosts England with nine points. India’s only loss (1-3) came against the home team.
The Indians will have to play out of their skin and chief coach Janneke Schopman would be hoping that her side can produce a clinical performance in all aspects of the game.
The Indian defence, led by skipper Savita and which has the likes of Gurjit Kaur, Udita and Deep Grace Ekka, will have to be on its toes against the fast attacking Australians.
The defence crumbled when put under pressure which was evident in India’s 1-3 loss against England in their last pool match.
Neha Goyal has been a livewire in the link-up between midfield and the forward line but she needs more support.
The strike force too will have to be in its best and the likes of Sharmila Devi, Navneet Kaur and Lalremsiani can’t afford to waste scoring opportunities, especially against a strong Australia, who are yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
Having finished second to New Zealand in the last CWG at home, the Australians would be desperate to return to the top of podium.
In the first semifinal, hosts England will be up against reigning CWG champions New Zealand.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Rohit gets hit in nets, practice pitches on slower side
Mandhana, Renuka blow away West Indies in first ODI
Rohit Sharma should change his tactics, be more attacking batting at No. 6: Ravi Shastri
Joe Root returns to England’s ODI squad for India tour, Champions Trophy; Ahmed in T20Is
India beat Bangladesh by 41 runs to bag Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Kannada Sahitya Sammelana: Food distribution creates stir
Rohit gets hit in nets, practice pitches on slower side
India & Kuwait elevate ties to strategic level; ink defence pact after PM Modi meets top Kuwaiti leaders
In Kuwait, PM Modi meets yoga practitioner, other influencers from Gulf country
Notorious gangster wanted in UAPA case arrested at Nepal border
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.