MARGAO
Goans Hockey is confident that its junior women’s team can produce a match-winning performance when Goa take on Tamil Nadu in their opening clash of the final round of the 16th Hockey Junior Women National Championship in Pune on August 12.
Goans Hockey president Abhay Bhamaikar exuded confidence in the team after the players completed a light training session on Saturday.
“Our players are talented and have a positive winning attitude. If they play to their potential and ability, they can beat any team. If we play to our strengths and stick to our usual game, I am confident of a win,” Bhamaikar said.
Goa enjoyed an impressive run in the preliminary phase, finishing second in Group A and remaining unbeaten. However, Bhamaikar said the team was not dwelling on its earlier results and would approach the Tamil Nadu game with a fresh mindset.
“Tamil Nadu is a good team and has some good players, but there is nothing to fear. I have worked out some strategies and will instruct the players accordingly on how to execute the plans,” he said.
Goa will look to goal-scoring players such as Deekshit HH, Vasant BK, Samarth Nayaka and Satyam Kumar Pandi to deliver in the crucial encounter.
Bhamaikar also stressed that Goa have a well-balanced squad, with strength in all three departments — defence, midfield and attack.
“There is no weakness in the team. We are strong in all three zones. Both our goalkeepers have also done an excellent job. We have good bench strength, which gives us plenty of options,” he said.
The team will depart for Pune on August 11.
Goans Hockey has appointed Haryana’s Sambhir Riddhi as coach to train and guide the team for the championship.
The association, which has played an important role in promoting and developing hockey in Goa, hopes the team’s campaign in Pune will further boost the sport’s growth in the state.
