Fans Will See A New Side Of Indian Women’s Hockey Team: Coach Harendra Singh

Indian women's hockey team has been struggling this year but chief coach Harendra Singh on Monday promised that his wards will play as a "new side" and will not disappoint fans during Asian Champions Trophy , beginning here on November 11.

Harendra, who was named chief coach in April this year after India failed to qualify for Paris Olympics , said team has worked on its combinations and decision-making in shooting circle, aiming to lift trophy.

"Each team will come with goal of winning trophy, and we have spent last five months preparing with Asian Champions Trophy in mind. We identified areas for improvement, such as combinations and decision-making in shooting circle, and have worked on m," said Harendra after home team's arrival here.

"I am confident that hockey fans will witness a new side of Indian women’s hockey team this time, and y won’t be disappointed,” he said.

November 11-20 tournament will feature defending champions India alongside Paris Olympics silver medallists China, as well as Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Thailand.

India will open its campaign against Malaysia on November 11, followed by a match against Korea on November 12. After a day of rest, India will face Thailand (November 14) and China (November 16) before taking on Japan on November 17.

top four teams will vance to semifinals to be played on November 19. final is slated on November 20.

Captain Salima Tete said team worked on making improvements in final third during ir training sessions in Bengaluru.

“We have been training rigorously at SAI Bengaluru for Asian Champions Trophy. In previous matches, we faced challenges in final third of pitch, so we have focused significantly on improving in that area," she said.

"We will take it match by match and aim to perform well in each one; every team poses a different challenge, and we won’t take any opponent lightly. We’ve prepared well, and we’re confident our hard work will show on turf.

"This is first time we’re playing international hockey in Bihar , and we hope to inspire all girls in region with our performances," she ded.