Indian ladies hockey staff’s Pro League matches towards England cancelled

The Indian ladies hockey staff’s two FIH Pro League matches towards England, which had been earlier postponed as a consequence of COVID-related points within the English aspect, have been cancelled, handing the Savita-led aspect the highest place within the standings.

The two matches had been initially scheduled for April 2 and three on the Kalinga Stadium right here however postponed as a consequence of a excessive variety of COVID-19 circumstances and accidents within the England staff. The Indian staff has now been awarded six factors — three every for a match — for the 2 cancelled video games.

“The FIH Hockey Pro League matches between India and England (Women), initially scheduled on 2 and 3 April in Bhubaneswar, India, but postponed due to a high number of COVID cases and injuries affecting the English team, will, unfortunately, be cancelled, eventually,” the world governing physique stated in an announcement.

“Indeed, regardless of all efforts from Hockey India, England Hockey and FIH, no dates could possibly be discovered to reschedule the matches in India.

Consequently, it has been agreed between the FIH and the two nations that the 6 factors out there for these 2 matches might be awarded to India.” With six factors from the 2 cancelled matches, India leapfrogged Olympic champions Netherlands to occupy the highest place within the standings with 22 factors. The Dutch are second at 19 factors whereas Germany (13) are third.

India had overwhelmed the Netherlands 2-1 within the first match of the two-legged tie right here on Friday earlier than dropping 1-3 within the shootout within the second recreation on Saturday.

Speaking about her staff’s efficiency within the residence matches right here, India chief coach Janneke Schopmanof stated, “If we have a look at the preliminary video games we performed towards China in Oman after which right here towards Spain, we made numerous steps, numerous issues higher as in comparison with preliminary matches, however nonetheless heaps to be taught, heaps to enhance.

On the match India misplaced within the shootout towards the Netherlands on Saturday, Schopman stated that regardless of placing stress on their opponents, her aspect uncared for to create extra outcomes.

“I feel we performed effectively for many of the recreation. In the primary three quarters, we put numerous stress on them, however we uncared for to create extra outcomes. We little bit rushed ultimately section, and sadly, we didn’t rating PCs as we speak.

“And, in the fourth quarter, we lacked a little bit composure and lost the ball towards them.” Captain Savita admitted Netherlands performed higher than of their first match which India gained 2-1.

With lower than 100 days to go for the FIH Women’s World Cup to be held in Spain and Netherlands, Savita stated that the Pro League expertise will assist the staff put together for the marquee occasion.

“We’ve played our Pro League matches against quality teams, and it’s been great learning for us. It is really helping us prepare for the upcoming tournaments, especially the World Cup,” she signed off.