Hawkes Bay Cup key to Indian hockey eves' preparation for World League Semi-Final

NEW DELHI: Brimming with confidence after its unbeaten run in the just-concluded World League Round 2 here, an upbeat Indian women's hockey team was eyeing next month's Hawkes Bay Cup in New Zealand to prepare itself in the best possible manner for the crucial World League Semi-Final to be held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Indian eves, who defeated Poland 3-1 in the summit clash of the World League Round 2, looking at the Hawkes Bay Cup as an important tournament where they would be playing against almost the same teams that would be featuring in World League Semi-Final to be held from June 13-22.

Apart from India and hosts New Zealand, the other participating nations in the Hawkes Bay Cup, to be held from April 11 to 19, are world no. 2 Australia, Argentina, China, USA, Korea and Japan.

"The upcoming tour is very important as here we will be tested before playing the all essential World League Semi-Final," forward Anupa Barla said during their preparatory camp which started at the Major Dhyan Chand National here yesterday.

"In the last one year the team has worked on coordination, passes, attacks and circle penetration. We have even worked on our physical stamina and speed and it will prove to be vital in the upcoming Hawkes Bay Cup."

Indian hockey's High Performance Director Roelant Oltmans added: "The girls are looking in good form and they have to keep their confidence at the same level for the upcoming tournament."