Forward Vandana Kataria calls for Indian hockey team to stand up

Vandana Kataria (C) celebrates after scoring a goal against Japan

Indian women’s hockey team forward Vandana Kataria is confident of a good show at the Hockey World League (HWL) to be held this coming week in Antwerp, Belgium. The Uttrakhand-based forward said that different responsibilities have been assigned to every member of the team and their job is to complete them without any mistakes.

She said, “Everyone’s responsibility is defined and we have to stand up to it now.”

The 23-year-old striker does not want the team to lose possession of the ball easily. To make sure this happens, coach Mathias Ahrens has stressed on positioning of the players so that they cover the most area on the pitch. The Indian national team’s vulnerability to counter-attacks is quite evident and Ahrens has tried to integrate specific tactics to stop the quick-fire attacks by the opposition.

Vandana Kataria, making a return to the national team after missing out the Bay Hawke’s Cup, despite her tender age is an experienced campaigner having represented the national side 120 times. She has found the back of the net on 35 occasions wearing the Indian jersey.

She stressed on the need to make more of the circle penetrations.

“We have to ensure we do not lose possession on the ball easily and if this happens we are aware of our positions while even ensuring we create opportunities for each other for the crucial quick passes. The idea is just not adding to the number of circle penetrations, but to see that we hit the target and score goals,” said Vandana.

India face hosts Belgium in their opening match on 20th June while they will also go up against Poland, Australia and New Zealand in the group stage.