‘India women’s hockey team must think that they are the best team at Tokyo 2020’
The Asian Games silver medallist doesn’t want the players to feel too much pressure at Tokyo 2020.
India had qualified for the Olympics after a gap of 36 years when they made the cut for Rio 2016. However, in Brazil, they could only manage a draw against Japan and suffered some heavy defeats against the other participating teams. And in Tokyo 2020, the Rani Rampal-led side began with a 1-5 loss against the Netherlands in Pool A match.
Deepika Thakur, who was part of the Rio 2016 India women’s hockey team, points that India mustn’t make the same mistake as what they did five years back when they took too much pressure upon themselves.
She stated that the experienced players in the squad such as Savita Punia and Sushila Chanu must guide the younger lot to not get overawed at Tokyo 2020.
“They shouldn't think about the world watching us or that we are playing against the best team like the Netherlands. If they take pressure, they won't understand anything. Last time (at Rio 2016) we took pressure because it was the first time, and everyone was excited.
“I think the older players can motivate them this time around with their experience. Savita is very motivated and so is Sushila. I think Savita is the best goalkeeper and she will give her best,” Thakur told Olympics.com.
She also explained that the current team under Sjoerd Marijne is very improved when compared to the one which participated at Rio 2016. However, she also had a message for the players which is to mentally think that they are the best in the competition.
“I did watch their qualifier match against the US (two-legged qualifying tie which India won 6-5 on aggregate), where I could see a fair amount of improvement in the squad.
“Every player in their own position has equal pressure. But if they play with pressure then they will be in trouble. We should think that we are the best team. The coach believes in attacking or forward play more. Overseas exposure that they got will be helpful. They have got the experience and know the pattern of various other teams,” she shared her thoughts.
Thakur stated that the gold medal in women’s hockey at Tokyo 2020 could possibly be won by the Dutch or the Argentines.
“At the Olympics, I think Netherlands or Argentina with Great Britain to finish third, said Thakur.