Strong defence is key for Savita Punia

3 minBy Bhaktvatsal Sharma
India vice-captain and goalkeeper Savita Punia stands guard

After a successful campaign in the FIH World Series in June, India's women hockey team now turn their attention to the upcoming Olympic Test Event in Tokyo.

For goal keeper - and vice-captain - Savita Punia, their team spirit plays a huge role in keeping things tightknit both on and off the pitch.

"These players have been playing together for a long time. We understand each other on and off the field," explained Punia as the team continue to prepare for their next challenge.

"It is something that helps us immensely to perform collectively. We also understand each other's strengths and weaknesses and are able to help out our teammates in crunch situations."

Seven days of preparation

Both the Indian men and women’s hockey senior teams will take part in the Test Event which begins from August 17th and ends on August 21st.

The women's team will open up against Japan - the team they defeated in the FIH World Series final.

Then attention will turn to Australia, who are ranked number two in the world.

Punia is respectful of their prowess, but far from overawed:

"We will be playing a very strong team in Australia who we played well against during last year's Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast. It was a tough defeat to take as we lost by a solitary goal, and it was the semi-final of the tournament. However, we were proud of our performance, and to match the World No. 2 side in all departments is something that was good to see."

For the goalkeeper, there is a clear area she believes can be targeted for improvement:

"This time, we need to make sure that we defend well as a unit, and not give them any easy chances. I feel that defence will be key in determining who wins the upcoming tournament in Tokyo,” added the 29-year-old.

Their third opponent in Tokyo will be China, who are currently ranked eleventh - just one place below India.

Confidence from recent wins

Punia is not afraid to highlight where the team has fell short in recent times, admitting, “In the past couple of years, we have had the chance to play in huge matches, but there have been times when we have lacked a bit."

"We need to focus on winning the big matches," she continued, "We showed that we are capable of doing it when we won the final match of the FIH Women's Series Finals by a scoreline of 3-1 in front of Japan’s home crowd.”

Balanced Approach

That win in the FIH Women’s Series Finals in Hiroshima has instilled a real belief in the team that they can make it to Tokyo 2020.

In October, the remaining seven qualifying spots will be filled.

India will know which team stands between them and a Tokyo 2020 spot next month, when the draw for the Olympic qualifiers is made.

But Punia believes her team is ready for the challenge ahead.

“We know we have a team which can attack and defend aptly depending on the match situations," said the shot stopper.

"Coordination at the back will be a key area for us going into this important year ahead, and I am sure that we will come out in flying colours."

More from