Indian women’s hockey captain Savita Punia’s statement, said- ‘Olympic qualifiers are a do or die match for us’

The Olympic qualifiers will be organized in Ranchi from January 16 to 19. In which eight countries including host India will try to qualify for the Paris Games to be held in July-August by finishing in the top three. Indian women’s hockey captain Savita Punia believes that the Olympic qualifiers will be a ‘do or die’ match for her team.

In fact, according to Indian women’s hockey team captain Savita, the title win in the Asian Champions Trophy has boosted India’s morale before the Olympic qualifiers and she expressed confidence in the team’s experienced players that they will help the team qualify for the Paris Games.

“The team is motivated, especially after winning the Asian Champions Trophy,” Savita said in Hockey India’s press release. “Our preparations are complete and the team includes players who have played Olympic qualifiers in the past,” she said. and fully understand the level of performance required to qualify. This is a do-or-die tournament for us and we are ready for the challenge.

The top three teams of the tournament will qualify for the Paris Games. In the tournament, reigning Olympic silver medalists Germany, former Asian Games champions Japan, Chile and Czech Republic have been placed in Pool A while hosts India are in Pool B along with USA, New Zealand and Italy.

India’s vice-captain Nikki Pradhan said, “Every member of the team wants to participate in the Olympic Games. This is his dream and after reaching Ranchi earlier this week, we have taken part in some good training sessions on the field.” India will face America in their opening match on January 13. After that the match will be played against New Zealand on 14th January. After a day’s rest, India will play Italy on January 16. The semi-finals will be held on January 18 and the final on January 19.