Indian women's team leaves for Hockey World League

NEW DELHI: The Indian women's hockey team today left for Antewrp, Belgium to compete in the Hockey World League Semi-Final 2015 from June 20 to July 5.

India is placed in Pool B with Australia, New Zealand, Belgium and Poland and will be playing their opening match against Belgium on June 20.

The 18-member squad, led by Ritu Rani, is aiming high and has been practicing meticulously under the headship of their newly appointed Chief Coach Mathias Ahrens.

Speaking just before the departure, Ritu said, "This tournament is extremely important for us."

"Clinching the title of the FIH Hockey World League Round 2 has boosted the team's confidence and we hope to perform and beat the teams ahead of us on the FIH ranking which will help us book the all important place in the 2016 Rio Olympics."

"We have worked on our penalty corner conversions and we are looking at a positive result at the end of the tournament."

Commenting on the team's preparations, Ahrens said he is confident of good results.

"While we have worked on various strategies, the goalkeepers on their end have been practicing on their reaction time."

"That I think will be the key as they have to ensure that they do not give away easy goals. The team realizes that the tournament is very important that they are leaving nothing to chance," he said.

The Hockey World League Semi-Final will feature 10 teams divided in two pools. They will be seen fighting to finish in top three to qualify for the FIH Hockey World League Final.