Bengaluru: Salima Tete, recently appointed as the Captain of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team, provided her insights following an exhilarating six-match friendly series against South Africa, held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) here from May 3rd to May 11th. The series, marked by intense competition, served as a crucial platform for India to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the upcoming European leg of the FIH Pro League 2023-24.
The series witnessed an impressive performance from both sides, with the Indian team emerging victorious in four out of the six matches. The initial three matches saw India securing commendable wins with scores of 1-0, 5-1, and 3-1 respectively, showcasing their prowess on the field. However, South Africa fought back fiercely, claiming victories in the fourth [2-2 (2-4 SO)] and fifth [1-1 (3-1 SO)] matches. In the last match of the series, India defeated South Africa 4-3 in a shootout after the game was tied at 1-1 at the end of regulation time.
Reflecting on the series, 23-year-old midfielder Salima Tete expressed her satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “The series served as a pivotal platform for us to explore and test various player combinations, leveraging the participation of all 24 members from our FIH Pro League squad.”
Tete added, “This collective effort not only enhanced our coordination on the field but also provided a comprehensive understanding of our team dynamics. We remained steadfast in our commitment to executing a pressing game style while adhering to the foundational aspects of our game structure.”
The series also provided invaluable learning opportunities for the younger players within the squad. Tete commented, “Additionally, the series proved to be an enriching experience for our younger players, offering them invaluable insights into the intricacies of our team’s operations and the expectations placed upon them.”
The friendly series against South Africa significantly contributed to the Indian team’s preparations for the upcoming European leg of the FIH Pro League 2023-24, which will take place in Belgium and England. The Belgium leg is set to commence on May 22nd and conclude on May 26th, followed by the England leg starting on June 1st and concluding on June 9th.
The Indian squad, currently placed 6th in the FIH Pro League 2023-24 standings with eight points from eight matches, is determined to make a mark in the upcoming fixtures against formidable opponents including Argentina, Belgium, Spain, Great Britain, and Germany. India’s campaign will kick off with a clash against Argentina on May 22nd.