Indian Women’s Hockey Team urged to focus on future by coach Schopman

With the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers just around the corner, Indian Women’s Hockey Team’s head coach, Janneke Schopman, encourages a forward-looking approach, advising players and fans to focus on the upcoming challenges rather than dwelling on past events.

Addressing the media ahead of India’s opening match against the United States, a team she coached until 2019, Schopman acknowledged that missing a direct berth at the Hangzhou Asian Games was a reality. However, she stressed the futility of lamenting the past and urged the team to concentrate on the Olympic Qualifiers.

India finds itself in Group B alongside New Zealand, the United States, and Italy. The competition includes eight teams vying for three spots available at Ranchi for the Paris Olympic Games later this year.

Schopman, a former player from the Netherlands with Olympic silver (2004) and gold (2008) to her name, emphasized the team’s focus on the upcoming event since October, leaving behind the Asian Games disappointment.

Regarding India’s challenging head-to-head record against New Zealand and the United States, Schopman expressed confidence in the team’s determination to give their best and strive for victory.

Addressing the absence of experienced defender Deep Grace Ekka and senior drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur, Schopman highlighted the team’s available options, including developing drag-flicker Vinita and others like Neha and Navneet.

Schopman emphasized that success in penalty corners doesn’t depend on one person and stated that the team has learned valuable lessons from the Asian Games, ensuring thorough preparation for the Olympic Qualifiers.

As the Indian women’s hockey team gears up for this crucial event, Schopman’s message resonates—there’s no point dwelling in the past; the focus is on a make-or-break opportunity ahead of the Paris Olympic Games.

-IANS