Salima Tete: Australian Tour to Refine Strategies Ahead of European Pro League
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Synopsis
The Indian women's hockey team, led by captain Salima Tete, embarks on a crucial tour to Australia to prepare for the upcoming Pro League matches in Europe. The five-match friendly series aims to enhance team performance and strategy ahead of international competitions.
Key Takeaways
- Preparation for the Pro League in Europe.
- Two matches against Australia A followed by three against the senior team.
- Focus on team cohesion and strategy testing.
- Opportunity for young players to gain experience.
- Building on recent FIH Pro League momentum.
Bengaluru, April 21 (NationPress) As the Indian women’s hockey team departed from Kempegowda International Airport on Sunday night towards Perth, Australia, for an upcoming five-match friendly series, captain Salima Tete expressed that this tour will assist the team in fine-tuning their performance prior to the Pro League matches in Europe.
The friendly series is set to commence with two matches against Australia A on April 26 and 27, followed by three challenging encounters against the world No. 5 ranked Australian senior team on May 1, 3, and 4—all scheduled to take place at the Perth Hockey Stadium.
Under the leadership of dynamic midfielder Salima, along with experienced forward Navneet Kaur serving as her deputy, the 26-member squad will utilize this tour as crucial preparation for the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25, which kicks off in June.
Before their departure, Salima remarked, “It’s an honor for me to lead the team on this tour. We’ve put in tremendous effort at the national camp in Bengaluru, and everyone is eager to embrace this challenge. Competing against Australia A and the Hockeyroos will provide us the opportunity to test our strategies and grow as a cohesive unit. This tour will be instrumental in refining our performance before we head into the Pro League in Europe.”
Vice-captain Navneet added, “The team feels confident and united. We’ve drawn many positives from our recent performances, especially our resilience during the Pro League. This tour represents another excellent opportunity to challenge ourselves, enhance critical areas such as finishing and transitions, and continue progressing towards our larger objectives this year.”
The Indian team is keen to maintain the momentum from their recent FIH Pro League campaign, where they managed a 2-2 draw against world No. 1 Netherlands and secured a shootout bonus point in Bhubaneswar.
With numerous young players receiving senior team call-ups, this tour is expected to serve as an essential stepping stone for the squad's depth and future.
