Key Points:
- Janneke Schopman, coach of the Indian women’s hockey team, stressed the importance of handling pressure as the team prepares for the Asian Games.
- India is the top-ranked women’s hockey team in Asia and is considered one of the favorites to win gold at the Asian Games.
- Schopman believes that the team’s mindset and ability to perform under pressure will make the difference in their performance.
- Winning gold at the Asian Games would provide India with direct qualification for the Paris Olympics.
- The Indian women’s team finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics and is eager to perform well at the Asian Games.
- The team is placed in Pool A along with South Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
- Maintaining effective communication within the team setup is considered crucial for success.
- Schopman has previously led the Indian team to a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games.
As the Indian women’s hockey team, led by Savita Punia, prepares for the Asian Games, coach Janneke Schopman has highlighted the significance of handling pressure effectively. India, currently the top-ranked women’s hockey team in Asia, is seen as one of the favorites to secure gold at the continental multi-sport event.
Schopman emphasized the role of mindset, both at the individual and team levels, in determining success. She discussed the shift from being underdogs in previous competitions to being favorites and the need to perform under pressure.
The coach expressed confidence that if the team plays to its potential, they can clinch the gold at the Hangzhou Asian Games. Winning gold at this event would secure direct qualification for the Paris Olympics.
India’s women’s hockey team finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics, narrowly missing a podium finish. In the upcoming Asian Games, they are placed in Pool A, competing against South Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Effective communication within the team setup is considered essential for addressing even the smallest of issues and ensuring a successful campaign.
Janneke Schopman, who boasts an Olympic gold medal as a player, previously guided the Indian team to a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games last year.
