Savita Punia highlights the significance of international tours for team development and performance enhancement
July 12, 2024
In a bid to fine-tune their skills and gear up for the upcoming Asian Games, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team is set to embark on crucial tours to Germany and Spain. As the team strives to elevate their game to new heights, these international tours hold immense significance for their preparation. Savita Punia, the experienced goalkeeper and a stalwart of the Indian team, shed light on the importance of these tours during a recent interaction.
Speaking about the team’s decision to travel to Germany and Spain, Punia expressed, “These tours are a vital part of our preparation for the Asian Games. International exposure is essential for us to understand different styles of play and improve our performance accordingly.” She further emphasized that competing against strong European teams would challenge the Indian squad and expose them to high-intensity encounters.
The tour to Germany is scheduled to commence in August, followed by the trip to Spain later in September. Both countries are renowned for their remarkable hockey prowess, and the Indian team aims to learn from their opponents and adapt their strategies accordingly. With the Asian Games on the horizon, these tours present an ideal opportunity for Indian players to assess their strengths and weaknesses against top-class competition.
Punia, who has been a pillar of strength for the team, highlighted the significance of the Asian Games as a major tournament on the international hockey calendar. “The Asian Games are one of the most prestigious tournaments for us, and we are determined to put forth our best performance,” she stated. The goalkeeper believes that the tours to Germany and Spain will provide invaluable experience and help the team in fine-tuning their gameplay.
Under the guidance of Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne, the Indian women’s hockey team has witnessed remarkable progress in recent years. They displayed exceptional resilience and tenacity during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, clinching a historic fourth-place finish. The team’s incredible performance not only garnered widespread recognition but also ignited a new wave of interest in women’s hockey across India.
Recognizing the team’s potential, Hockey India has been proactive in providing adequate support and international exposure to the players. The tours to Germany and Spain form a part of Hockey India’s meticulous planning and commitment to elevating the standard of Indian women’s hockey. By exposing the team to challenging environments, these tours will serve as vital stepping stones in the team’s journey to becoming a dominant force in world hockey.
Punia also highlighted the significance of these tours in terms of team bonding and camaraderie. “International tours not only allow us to improve our skills on the field but also foster a strong team spirit off the field. We get to spend a lot of time together, understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and build a cohesive unit,” she explained. The goalkeeper firmly believes that this camaraderie will play a crucial role in the team’s success in the Asian Games.
As the Indian team gears up for the tours, their training regimen has been further intensified. The coaching staff, led by Marijne, has meticulously planned practice sessions, focusing on aspects such as speed, agility, and tactical awareness. The players are working hard to enhance their skills and are eager to make the most of the opportunities presented during the international tours.
In conclusion, the upcoming tours to Germany and Spain hold immense significance for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team as they prepare for the Asian Games. Savita Punia’s insights shed light on the importance of international exposure, strategic adaptation, and team bonding.
With these tours, the Indian team aims to fine-tune their gameplay, gain invaluable experience, and raise their performance to new heights. As they strive for glory in the Asian Games, the team’s dedication and determination continue to inspire hockey enthusiasts across the nation.
