 |
|
The Indian national hockey teams, both men's and women's, are gearing up for crucial matches in the FIH Pro League. The women's team, under the guidance of coach Harendra Singh, faces a significant challenge against Germany. Their recent performance has been inconsistent, with only one win from four games. While some new players have shown promise, the team struggles to maintain rhythm and counter the speed of their opponents. Their record against Germany is also daunting, with only one outright victory in the last 19 years. The match against Germany holds particular significance for coach Janneke Schopman, who previously guided the Indian women's team and witnessed their heartbreaking failure to qualify for the Paris Olympics. Now on the opposing side, she aims for victory against her former charges.
The men's team, led by coach Craig Fulton, faces Ireland in two upcoming matches. While Ireland is a lower-ranked opponent, they are known for exceeding expectations. Fulton's familiarity with many Irish players provides an advantage, but their previous encounter in Paris required a hard-fought victory for India. Although India holds a commanding 7-1 lead in their last nine matches against Ireland (including one draw), a significant concern looms large: their penalty corner conversion rate. The team has yet to convert any of the 14 penalty corners earned so far. Key players like Harmanpreet Singh and Jugraj Singh, the top scorer in the HIL, have not replicated their usual form at the national level, adding to the team's pressure.
Adding to the excitement of the FIH Pro League matches, the world's number one women's team, the Netherlands, will play against England. This match is crucial for the Dutch as they look to recover from an unexpected defeat to Argentina in their previous leg. Despite their recent setback, the Netherlands boasts a strong squad with 11 players from their gold-medal-winning Olympic team, showcasing their depth of talent and experience. The match promises a high-stakes encounter between two hockey giants. The upcoming matches are pivotal for both the Indian men's and women's teams as they navigate the challenges of the Pro League, striving for consistency and improved results in their respective campaigns. The pressure is on, not just to win, but to demonstrate the growth and potential within each team.
Source: Indian men look to address PC concerns for consistency, women hope to return to winning ways