Fitness important to India in the build-up to Tokyo 2020

Sjoerd Marijne, the coach for the Indian women hockey team, has revealed that fitness will be a Paramount aspect for the Indian women hockey team as they prepare for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. The women’s hockey team are aiming to have a consistent run in preparation for next year’s tournament in Tokyo.

After securing qualifications for the 2020 Olympics earlier this month, the Indian women team are now putting their preparations in top gear for the upcoming event as this will start with a tour to New Zealand next year.

Marjine revealed in an interview that they have mapped out their plans for the next seven months, and they have a clear vision on the areas they need to improve on and the level they need to attain ahead of the forthcoming Olympics.

“We are looking to play some outstanding teams in the build-up to the Olympics, where we are looking forward to achieving consistent performance. Keeping the minds and leg of the players fresh is very important”.

The team has decided to camp out of Bengaluru all along because it feels like home to them, and every minute and the moment they play, the environment they train in, the support systems have all played a significant factor in their preparations.

Following the review meeting held earlier this week, Marijne revealed the review meeting was not all about ” well done or congratulations,” but all about how we almost lost the second match. The manager said he expressed his anger without mincing any words.

“The way and manner we played the first two quarters in the second match against the USA in the Olympics qualifiers is something we never want to repeat again.”

India lost the second match 1-4 to the USA in the double leg qualifiers but still made it to the Olympics after beating USA 6-5 on aggregate following a 5-1 win.

Written by: Olumide Akinnifesi