Exciting Chance for Valuable Match Experience: Salima Tete Before Australia Series

Synopsis

The Indian women’s hockey team is ready for a five-match tour of Australia from April 26 to May 4, following an intensive training camp. With a mix of experienced players and newcomers, they aim to gain valuable match exposure against top-tier competition, setting the stage for upcoming tournaments.

Key Takeaways

Indian women's hockey team tours Australia for five matches.
Matches against Australia A and World No. 5 team.
Salima Tete leads a squad with new talents.
Focus on gaining international experience.
Recent victory over Australia boosts confidence.

Perth, April 25 (NationPress) Following an intensive month-long senior national training camp, the Indian women’s hockey team is gearing up for a demanding five-match tour of Australia from April 26 to May 4. The tour kicks off with two matches against Australia A on April 26 and 27, leading into three matches against the World No. 5 Australian senior women’s team on May 1, 3, and 4 at the Perth Hockey Stadium.

The last outing for the Indian team was in the FIH Hockey Pro League (Women) at home, where they achieved two victories and one shootout win in a mixed bag of results. They wrapped up the tournament on a high note, securing a bonus point against the World No. 1 Netherlands in a thrilling shootout after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.

Hockey India has announced a squad of 26 members for the tour, with Salima Tete captaining the side and Navneet Kaur serving as vice-captain. Rising drag-flicker Deepika, who shone with three goals during the Pro League matches in February, is eager to maintain her performance. This tour also marks a significant milestone for veteran goalkeeper Savita, who has recently reached 300 international caps and continues to fortify the defense.

The squad features five new talents – Jyoti Singh, Sujata Kujur, Ajmina Kujur, Pooja Yadav, and Mahima Tete – who may be making their senior team debuts in Australia. This exposure tour provides a pivotal chance for these young athletes to gain international experience and acclimate to the pressures of high-level hockey.

On the eve of the matches, Salima Tete expressed, “We are thrilled to be in Perth. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to secure valuable match exposure against formidable opponents. These matches will assist us in better understanding our team dynamics and testing various strategies ahead of the European leg of the Pro League and the Women’s Asia Cup later this year. All players, especially the newcomers, are eager to maximize this experience.”

Historically, Australia has been a tough competitor, winning 10 of the 16 encounters between the two teams and drawing three. However, India will draw confidence from their recent 1-0 victory over Australia in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023–24 and will aim to build on this momentum.

Chief coach Harendra Singh remarked, “The team has undergone rigorous training during the camp in Bengaluru, and this tour will allow us to evaluate our current standing. Our priority is to provide players with international exposure, enhance squad depth, and experiment with combinations. Competing against Australia A and the senior Australian team in their home environment will offer a valuable learning experience and prepare us for the crucial competitions on the horizon this year.”