Vice-captain Harmanpreet Singh says FIH Pro League matches against quality sides like France and South Africa will help the Indian men’s hockey team assess itself and prepare for other major tournaments later this year.
India are set to take on hosts South Africa and France in the opening matches of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2021/22 campaign, starting here on Tuesday.
The world number three team will play two matches each against both the teams on the tour.
“We are really excited for our first assignment of 2022. We start our season against two quality sides, so that is a great thing. Our focus is on gaining momentum and moving forward this year step-by-step. On a positive start.
“These FIH Hockey Pro League matches will certainly help us prepare for the upcoming major events,” Hockey India quoted Harmanpreet as saying in a press release.
With several major tournaments like the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games ahead of the Indian team, 12 months ahead and Harmanpreet feels the Pro League will help the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalists improve their armour.
“We have a busy 2022 year, there are many important tournaments to be held in the next 12 months, so we need to make sure we are fully prepared.
“I think the FIH Hockey Pro League 2021/22 match will not only help us gain experience but will also give us an understanding of where we stand with respect to our game as well as training.
“You see, there’s always room for improvement, so apart from executing on our skills and plans, we’ll also be focusing on improving our game, and that’s where I think Pro League matches will play an important role.”
India will play its first match against France on Tuesday. The last time the two teams faced off was during the 2015 Fintro Hockey World League semi-final, in which India won the match 3-2.
Speaking before the game, Harmanpreet said that the match will be challenging for her team.
“We haven’t played against France for a long time. They are a really good team and no doubt it will be a challenging match for us.”
“Our focus will be to play good hockey, hone our skills and make the most of our opportunities. We are eagerly waiting for tomorrow’s match. We will definitely give our 100 per cent and hope to start the campaign with a win.”
Manpreet Singh-led India will take on home team South Africa on Wednesday.
The last time the two teams faced off was during the final of the FIH Men’s Series Finals in 2019, which India won 5-1.
The overall one-off record (since 2013) is that of the visitors, with India winning all three matches against the hosts.
Asked about facing the world number 10 team, the 26-year-old said that the Indian team is not undermining the lower-order hosts.
“South Africa are a quality team. They are currently ranked 10th in the world, and are capable of beating any team on any given day, so you can’t underestimate them.
“It will definitely be a good challenge for us, and we are really excited to face a good team like South Africa.”
After a two-day break, India will play France on February 12 and then hosts South Africa on February 13.
read all breaking news, today’s fresh news And coronavirus news Here.
,