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Key Points

Captain Salima Tete is rallying the Indian women's hockey team ahead of their crucial Pro League matches against China. The squad takes inspiration from the men's team's recent victory over Belgium in the same tournament. India currently sits at the bottom of the standings while China holds fourth place. The team hopes to repeat their Asian Champions Trophy success against their familiar rivals.

Key Points: Salima Tete Leads India Women's Hockey in Crucial China Pro League Clash

  • India women's hockey team faces China in decisive Pro League matches
  • Salima Tete draws inspiration from men's team win over Belgium
  • India currently trails China in Pro League standings
  • Team looks to repeat Asian Champions Trophy success against China
2 min read

We'll play to our strengths: Captain Salima ahead of do-or-die games against China in FIH Pro League

Captain Salima Tete vows to play to strengths as India faces China in must-win FIH Pro League matches, inspired by men's team victory.

"We will play to our strengths - Salima Tete"

Berlin, June 27

In a do-or-die double-header, the Indian women's hockey team will face Asian rivals China and hope to end their losing streak in the FIH Hockey Pro League (Women) 2024-25 in Berlin on June 28 and 29.

The Salima Tete-led squad will take inspiration from their male compatriots, who managed to end their campaign in the Pro League last week with a spirited win against Belgium. This helped them finish in the eighth position on the points table, only ahead of Ireland.

While China is currently placed in the fourth position in the Pro League points table, India is placed last — in the ninth position with England ahead by a point in eighth place. Both teams have yet to play two matches in the league.

"It is a very crucial double-header for us over the weekend. But we will draw inspiration from the Indian men's team, who finished with an inspiring win against Belgium," expressed the captain Salima Tete.

She further emphasised that, "This Pro League outing has been a learning experience with several grey areas that we need to work on as a team. We will be introspecting on this performance when we go back home, but for now our focus is on doing well against China."

India will take confidence from their last outing against China, where they beat them 3-0 in the pool stage and 1-0 in a closely fought final to win the Asian Champions Trophy in Bihar in November 2024. However, in the previous season of Pro League, India had lost 1-2 in the double-header.

"They are a known opponent to us, from our regular outings in the continental championships we are aware of their potential. They are a tough team to beat but we will play to our strengths," she concluded.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Come on girls! 💪 We know you can do it. The Asian Champions Trophy win against China last year shows our potential. Just play with the same spirit and focus. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
China is always a tough opponent in sports. Our girls need to be extra careful about their penalty corners - that's where China is strongest. But I believe in Salima's leadership!
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Amit S.
Why is our women's team performing so poorly this season? We have good players but the results aren't coming. Need better coaching and long-term planning, not just last-minute pep talks.
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Sunita R.
Remember the Asian Champions Trophy final? That penalty stroke save by Savita was legendary! We need that kind of energy again. Hockey India should arrange more international exposure for our women's team.
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Vikram J.
China vs India matches always have extra spice, whether it's hockey or anything else. Hope our girls channel that competitive spirit positively. A win here would be huge for morale!
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Neha P.
The timing is terrible for Indian viewers - matches will be late night/early morning. But I'll still set my alarm to watch! Our women's team deserves all the support we can give 🙌

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