The Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams are eager to take home the gold at the next Asian Games to guarantee automatic qualification for the Paris Olympics 2024. The men’s team will play in the Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai starting on August 3 in preparation for the Hangzhou showpiece in September-October. The men’s team ended a 41-year drought for an Olympic medal by winning a bronze at the Tokyo Games. As the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris draw closer, we have some crucial matchups coming up. The Indian men’s team captain Harmanpreet Singh said, “We are enthusiastic about our upcoming tour since it also gives us a terrific opportunity to play against quality opponents.” Scroll down to read details about Indian Hockey Teams Aim For Paris Olympics.
Indian Hockey Teams Aim For Paris Olympics
In the Asian Champions Trophy, India will compete against teams like South Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan, and China. As we get ready for the key Hangzhou Asian Games later this year, these matchups will be essential for us. We are cognizant of the stakes and don’t take anything for granted. In addition to the demanding training in the camps under the direction of head coach Craig Fulton, Hockey India has hired Paddy Upton, a specialist in mental toughness, to work with the men’s squad. Additionally, special camps with Dennis van de Pol, a well-known hockey goalkeeping instructor from the Netherlands, are being planned.
On the other hand, the women’s team is in Spain for the 100th Anniversary Spanish Hockey Federation-International Tournament after having played games in Germany. Savita Punia, the captain of the Indian women’s squad, promised that “we will give our all on the pitch. She said, “Every member of the squad is aware that to qualify directly for the 2024 Paris Olympics, we must win the gold medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou. We hope to maintain the same consistency and form as we have been doing so far.”
After losing to England 3-4, the women’s team at the Tokyo Olympics came up just short of a bronze medal. They won the 2022 Nations Cup and brought home a bronze from the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham last year.
Indian women draw 1-1 against England in Spain
Wednesday’s opening game of the 100th Anniversary Spanish Hockey Federation – International Tournament in Barcelona saw the Indian women’s hockey team come from behind to draw thrillingly 1-1 with England. After Holly Hunt gave England the lead in the seventh minute, Lalremsiami of India scored the equalizer in the following frame. The game started with England controlling most of the possession and rapidly establishing a passing rhythm. It paid off when Hunt converted a field goal with a strong and accurate shot from inside the D.
After being stunned by the opening goal, India increased the tempo in pursuit of an equalizer. They frequently put England’s defense to the test and even came dangerously near to scoring on several occasions.
India stepped up their efforts in the second quarter to tie the game, pushing England’s midfielders to make back passes and hold onto the ball. The plan worked, and England had a slim lead of one goal at the break. After the change of ends, the tenacious Indians adopted a counterattacking plan, and the decision paid off when Lalremsiami successfully converted a penalty corner to draw level.
In the last seconds of the third quarter, both India and England gained numerous penalty corners but were unable to score. In the fourth and final quarter, the Indians came out swinging and relentlessly attacked England to keep them at bay. However, England maintained a strong defense throughout the game and even earned a penalty corner in the dying seconds, but they were unable to capitalize on the opportunity, and the game finished in a tie.
On Thursday, the hosts Spain will play host to the Indian women. The Indian men’s hockey team is defeated 1-2 by Spain. The Indian men’s hockey team battled valiantly against Spain in their opening match at the 100th Anniversary Spanish Hockey Federation International Tournament in Terrassa but ultimately lost 1-2.
Tuesday’s game saw the hosts take the lead in the 11th and 33rd minutes thanks to goals from Pau Cunill and Joaquin Menini before India’s captain Harmanpreet Singh scored in the 59th. India pressed hard in the opening quarter of the game to get an aggressive start, but they were unable to score. As the first quarter went on, Spain picked up steam, and Pau Cunill scored to give the hosts the lead.
India attempted to maintain possession and launch a counterattack in the second quarter to equalize the score, but Spain’s defense stood firm to prevent the visitors from making a comeback.
With no goals scored in the second period, Spain had a 1-0 advantage at the break.
The Indian squad started the third quarter in attack mode, regularly putting Spain’s defense to the test. However, the home team not only managed to hold India at bay but also increased their lead thanks to Joaquin Menini, who found himself in a perfect position to parry Jose Basterra’s lightning-fast attempt three minutes after the game resumed after halftime.
India changed tactics after falling behind by two goals to apply constant pressure to Spain. They even earned a penalty corner but were unable to take advantage of it. The Spanish custodian also turned away Harmanpreet’s ferocious long-range attempt near the conclusion of the third quarter to preserve the home team’s two-goal lead going into the last 15 minutes of play.
India exploded onto the scene in the fourth quarter and produced some excellent scoring opportunities, but they were unable to score the game’s opening goal. Spain resorted to a counterattacking strategy and gained consecutive penalty corners, but they were unsuccessful in converting them.
India persisted in applying pressure to the home team’s defense, and in the last seconds of the match, Harmanpreet successfully converted a penalty corner. But Spain stopped India from adding another goal. On Wednesday, the Indian squad will play its next opponent, the Netherlands.
