In 2004, the Indian women's hockey team, which included the likes of Mamta Kharab, Jasjit Kaur, Deepika Thakur and Suraj Bala Devi, beat Japan to win the Asia Cup. In 2017, as India did an encore (albeit beating China 5-4 in penalty shootout), the pat came from none other than the man who guided the Indian team to the podium 13 years ago—national coach Maharaj Kishan Kaushik.
On India becoming the Asian champions, he said: “It's not as if we were doing badly in Asia previously. We were always among the top three teams.” It has been a long wait after the 2004 triumph, but it was worth it as the women's team topped the podium with aplomb, registering thumping wins over Japan and China. The team also made a direct entry to the FIH World Cup to be held next year in London. That the win comes under coach Harendra Singh, whose appointment had raised eyebrows as it was the Dronacharya awardee's first assignment with the national women's team, is also significant.
Also, with this win, Indian women's team entered the top 10 of FIH world rankings, toppling Spain to seal the 10th spot.
Praising goalkeeper Savita's efforts, Kaushik said, “She is peaking now. She helped the team qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics, too. She is as tall as the other goalkeeper Rajani, she is agile and now has experience behind her.”
Savita who played a key role in the penalty shootout to help India beat China in the finals, had defenders Deep Grace Ekka, Sunita Lakra, Suman Debi Thoudam and Gurjit Kaur for company. The forward line, which boasted of Vandana Katariya and Lalremsiami alongside skipper Rani Rampal, is a blend of experience and fresh talent. The midfield was manned by the likes of Namita Toppo, Nikki Poradhan and Lilima Minz to name a few. This team had five changes from the one that toured Netherlands and Belgium ahead of Asia Cup.
Kaushik was hugely impressed by the team's performance, especially the convincing manner in which it beat other teams. He appreciated the adjustments made by Singh at a short notice. “It was his first tour—the penalty corner conversion and field goal scoring was good. The girls outclassed other teams. His use of technical support has made a huge difference. It's a fine result.”
He, however, gave a word of caution, saying while the team has done well here, the World Cup would be a totally different ball game. “The team has to start preparing now for the World Cup next year. They will need to work much harder to make an impact there.”
The calendar for the team is packed in 2018, with the Commonwealth Games in Australia and Asian Games in Indonesia. The latter gives the winner a chance for a direct qualification to Olympics in 2020.
