‘We are working a lot on our setpieces’ – says India Women’s Hockey team midfielder Navjot Kaur ahead of their Germany clash

Indian Women’s Hockey team stalwarts Vandana Katariya, midfielder Navjot Kaur and defender and drag-flick specialist Gurjit Kaur recently spoke to media on several aspects of their game and also shared their preparation plans for the upcoming matches against Germany and the areas they need to improve to get better at the international level.

They also shared their thoughts on young forward Sangita Kumari. Vandana Katariya has been leading the lines for India for a long time shared her views on the youngster. Sangita is gradually turning into her partner in crime in the attack.

“Sangita is a very good player and has a bright future ahead of her. She played the game beautifully and scored an exquisite goal in her debut match. I think she will really do wonders for our team in the future. She will only grow with experience,” veteran striker opined.

Indian midfielder Navjot Kaur gave an insight into the team’s training regime. The Indian Eves will face Germany in the FIH Hockey Pro League and the Indian team are preparing to give their best against a higher-ranked opponent.

“We are playing Germany this weekend and we plan to do well. We hope to play and finish as a team, as we did against Spain. Our team also have to prepare ahead of our next games against England, which will take place in April,” Navjot shared.

She also highlights how set pieces are a point of focus for them right now as they see it as an area where they can hurt the Germans. “The team is focusing on set-pieces at the moment and we hope that we will fare better in both the games ahead of us,” she added.

Speaking on defensive woes as the Indian team conceded four goals against Spain recently, Gurjit Kau criticises the defensive orientation and communication. The specialist drag-flicker said, “The goals we conceded against Spain were due to a lack of communication among the players. The referee suddenly called a foul and then Spain carried on the game, while we were taking positions to defend the goal. It was an error and a silly mistake on our part, one that cannot be repeated and that is exactly what we plan to do in our next games.”

India will face Germany in two matches in the FIH Hockey Pro League. The first match is scheduled for 12th March while the second match is on the following day. The matches will start from 5:00 PM IST