Bangkok: High on confidence after their good
start to the tournament, India would look for at least a point
to inch towards the semifinals when they take on formidable
China in a Women's Asia Cup hockey match here tomorrow.
A win against the Chinese would ensure India through to
Friday's semifinals.
But even if they lose the Indian eves will still be in
contention for the last four stage. In that case, India will
have to beat Malaysia in their last Group A match to qualify
as group runners-up.
Judging by the credentials, China are clear favourites
tomorrow at the Queen Sikirt Sports Centre as they had won a
silver at the last Olympics, a gold in the last Asian Games
and a third rank in the FIH ladder, clear 11 rungs over India.
Indian coach MK Kaushik was, however, undeterred by such
credentials and is looking for a win, which would be a revenge
of their 2-4 loss in the bronze medal play-off in the last
edition of the tournament.
"A victory at this stage will boost our morale," Kaushik
said.
Kaushik is understandably upbeat after his wards'
performance in the tournament so far -- 13-0 win against
Singapore and 15-0 routing of Thailand. India's build-up to
the event was also perfect as they defeated defending
champions Japan 1-0 in a practice game.
The Indians will though have to improve their performance
several notches up than their earlier two matches when they
play China who are in the elite league with participations in
the Olympics, World Cup and Champions Trophy.
Kaushik's wards are languishing at World Level III
circuit like Champions Challenge II.
India will have to particularly give special attention to
goalkeeping which has been their weak area in the tournament.
"We have to improve in this area. We have however
taken a cautious decision to field different goalkeeper for
each half in order groom both of them," said Kaushik.
China were, however, a bit rusty in their 4-0 win over
Malaysia in their last group match after drubbing Singapore
13-0, and India would be keen to deny early momentum to their
opponents.
China coach Kim-sam Ryul attributes the team's rustiness
to the lack of preparations due to the just-concluded recent
National Games back home.
"Our National Games in which 12 provinces took part was
over only on October 15. Then the players went for a break. We
had only two days training before we left for Bangkok," he
said.
China's strength, besides loads of experience, is the
hard-working trio of striker Fu Bo Rong (182 caps), captain
and defender Ma Yibo (144 caps) and the midfield maestro Li
Hua Gao (144 caps).
They man each layer with immaculate precision. Goalie
Zhang Yi Meng is no patch of legendary Nie Ya Li whom she
succeeded, but coach Ryul considers her the best in China
although her prowess is hardly tested in the tournament so
far.
Another worry for Kaushik could well be China's strike
force, with already 10 players carving their names on the
scoreboard, and marking Chinese forwards will be a tough task.
Indian defenders Subhadra Pradhan and Binita Toppo will
have to raise their performance to keep a check on the Chinese
attacking line spearheaded by four-times FIH Player of the
Year nominee, Fu Bo Rong.
Bureau Report