Thaindian News

New Delhi, Feb 19 (IANS) Indian women’s hockey coach C.R. Kumar was pleased with the team’s 4-1 thrashing of Canada here Sunday but said there was still room for improvement in the 2012 London Olympic qualifiers.

“It was a good performance from the girls. 4-1 is a good score-line for the team. I was particularly happy with the professionalism of the girls,” said Kumar.

The coach, however, said there are a few areas in the defence where his team has to work hard.

“There are a few areas where we have to work hard. Our defenders are unnecessary forcing the ball and are losing possession. Some of the links were also unable to trap the ball properly,” he said.

Kumar said Sunday’s performance will boost the confidence of the girls as they gear up to face Poland, South Africa and Italy in their remaining three pool matches.

“I think against Canada our passing has been the best when you compare it with other teams. This performance will surely boost their confidence as we prepare for our remaining three pool matches,” he said.

Kumar said India have to play aggressively if they want to make the final.

“We have to play aggressively. We cannot be slow starters and be nervous. A team commits mistake when it is nervous. We have no room for errors,” he said.

Skipper Asanta Lakra said the team had put the unexpected draw against Ukraine behind.

“We don’t line in the past. The girls were determined not to commit mistakes and we did exactly that,” he said.