Can the Indian Women's Hockey Team Overcome China in Crucial Matches?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Critical double-header against China for India.
- Inspiration drawn from the men's team victory.
- Focus on improving performances and learning from past matches.
- Confidence from recent victories over China.
- Determination to play to their strengths.
Berlin, June 27 (NationPress) In an essential double-header, the Indian women's hockey team is set to clash with their Asian rivals, China, aiming to break their losing streak in the FIH Hockey Pro League (Women) 2024-25 in Berlin on June 28 and 29.
The squad, led by Salima Tete, draws motivation from their male counterparts, who recently concluded their Pro League campaign with a commendable victory against Belgium, securing an eighth-place finish on the points table, just ahead of Ireland.
Currently, China ranks fourth in the Pro League standings, while India finds itself at the bottom, in ninth place, with England just a point ahead in eighth. Both teams still have two matches left to play in this league.
“This double-header is critical for us this weekend. We will take inspiration from the men's team, who had an uplifting win against Belgium,” stated captain Salima Tete.
She added, “Our experience in this Pro League has highlighted areas for improvement. We will reflect on our performance later, but right now, our priority is to excel against China.”
India is hopeful after their previous encounter with China, where they achieved a 3-0 victory in the pool stage and a narrow 1-0 win in the final of the Asian Champions Trophy held in Bihar in November 2024. However, in last season's Pro League, India faced a 1-2 defeat in the double-header.
“We know China well from our regular meetings in continental championships. They are a formidable team, but we are determined to play to our strengths,” she concluded.