India`s stand-in skipper and goalkeeper Savita was a picture of confidence during a virtual interaction on Thursday, the eve of the team`s FIH Pro League double header (February 26 and 27) against Spain at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
The Indian women made a successful Pro League debut, beating China 7-1 and 2-1 in their two-leg tie in Muscat, Oman, on January 31 and February 1. Spain. However, they haven`t done as well, having lost twice to hockey powerhouse, Netherlands.
Savita, though, refused to underestimate Spain. “Spain are a very good side. They won the bronze medal at the last World Cup. It`s important for us to keep the momentum going. We need to give our best,” said Savita, who is filling in as skipper for the injured Rani Rampal.
India are currently placed third in the nine-team FIH Pro League standings with six points from two games, while Spain are fifth with one point. “Attacking hockey and penalty corners are our strength and we will focus on that,” added Savita.
It`s a busy season for the Indian hockey team with the World Cup and the Asian Games also happening later this year, and Savita felt the Pro League is the best place to assess her team. “We have been waiting for long to play in the Pro League because we will be facing some of the top teams here and this will give us a fair idea of our strengths and weaknesses ahead of an important season. We recently qualified for the World Cup and the Asian Games is also there, which is an Olympic qualifier, so the Pro League will give us an idea about the areas where we need to improve,” she added.
