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Journalism of Courage
The Indian women’s team had a lead to protect in the final against red-hot favourites China at the recent Asia Cup in Hangzhou. After taking an early lead in the title clash, and pushing the Paris 2024 silver medallists right through for three-fourths of the match, India ended up losing 1-4 to squander the chance to win a spot at next year’s World Cup. Now, coach Harendra Singh’s side have to take the scenic route through the last-chance qualifiers, which can make things tricky. Speaking to the Indian Express after returning from Hangzhou, Harendra reflected on the areas to improve for his team as they look to learn from the second-placed finish at the Asia Cup.
What is your analysis of the Asia Cup campaign? Two matches against China went against you.
Harendra Singh: For the preparation we did, the team was on the same track, and in many areas we made some improvements, like, for example, not giving away soft Penalty Corners, and defending the PCs was very good. In attacking PCs, Deepika’s last-day injury in the camp made things a little haywire. But whatever training period we had, then we started working on the indirect, direct, and I think that worked pretty well, with the combination of Udita and Navneet. But, analyzing against China in the final, I’m not happy with the way we conceded the goals. We were very competitive till the third quarter till 38-40 minutes. The second goal that we conceded on the counter, after that, we were a little bit defensive, which is not the Indian way. On the counter, we gave them a lot of space in player-to-player marking. When we went searching for an equaliser, they scored two more. Overall, we made the improvements, but I’m really not happy not getting the gold in the final. To be frank, I’m not happy with the silver. Now, again, we have to go into the new process of qualification; we have to wait to find out which group we are in, and where we are going. So lots of ifs and buts
Specifically, what disappointed you the most about the Asia Cup?
Harendra Singh: The one thing we discussed after the Pro League was that inside the circle, we were penetrating well, but there were not enough quality shots. We worked hard on that but in front of the goal, could we take an extra quality shot? Look for a second angle, or another extra pass? Secondly, in both matches against China, possession stats, number of circle entries, and even the PCs, we were very close. The defense was good too. But the player-to-player marking in the key zones we still have to work on. In physical aspects, we were on par with them; we really forced them to sit back. But the final pass of the last moment, should they receive it, or should we go for an interception? That is the decision-making we have to work on more.
You mentioned that physically, there is no problem, but in the fourth quarter, in both matches, against China, India conceded goals.
Harendra Singh: We didn’t want to give them too much respect and space. So we stuck to attacking hockey, and that’s where we conceded three goals in the Super 4s match against China. But, between the strikers and the midfielders, the gap that was created, because of which they controlled and scored the third and fourth goal, we have to work on that somewhere. Your attacking pattern breaks somewhere, then we are looking for a long pass. We are not looking for the Indian style, which is one-vs-one, with short bursts, and then you score.
One of the observations was that the midfield combinations, leading up to circle entries, were quite good between Navneet, Neha and Lalremsiami. But the connections inside the circle didn’t quite match up.
Harendra Singh: The question is, shall I hold my space, or shall I jump in front of the defender to receive that ball for one touch? Because in today’s play, if you use player-to-player marking – China, in the back three, the players employ that only and not zonal – the passer and the receiver should collaborate. The moment I have eye-to-eye contact, I must release the ball, and she must jump in front to receive the ball. That coordination was not very sharp. We were just forcing inside the circle. The quality of receiving the ball, in the final phase, the combination between the passer and the receiver… we still have to work on a lot.
How do you see the gap between India and China now?
Harendra Singh: I think we have closed the gap, but we have to work on our PC attacks. And also they are quite sharp inside the attacking circle. They are still finishing in second touch or first touch. I think we should also be sharp enough not to allow them to take quick shots. Let them take some more time so that our goalkeeper and the rest of the defenders can position themselves better. In that area, I can say that 20-25% we have to improve. In our timing of receiving and delivery, we have to be more clinical rather than just forcing it.
What did you tell the players immediately after the tournament? There was a big huddle on the pitch.
Harendra Singh: Don’t be disheartened with the way you have played for the entire 60 minutes. You fought for each and every second. That is encouraging. The result doesn’t show what we have done. We have to start individually working on things to get better. That is my target. I am now watching each and every match and making notes. When they come back, I am going to sit with the individual players and give them my version of what I have observed, and also ask them what they think are the areas they need to work on. We did this feedback system after the Pro League, and I can see it really worked. It is not one-way traffic.
Now you have to go through the qualifiers. Because last time, the Paris qualification didn’t happen at the Asian Games. Then, at the qualifiers, the team fell short. Will that pressure come back in a last-chance qualifying tournament?
Harendra Singh: That should not be playing in the mind; we should play our natural game. But yes, we have to wait till 17th October, for the last continental qualifier to be over. Then the pools will be decided for the two qualifiers, and then we will see which country is going to host. If we get the chance to host, that will be the icing on the cake. We had a long discussion within the team. We are ready to play anywhere; qualifying for the World Cup is the first priority.
Have you had a review discussion with Hockey India? You said winning the Asia Cup is your primary goal.
Harendra Singh: Our treasurer, Sekar Manoharan, and Secretary-General Bholanath Singh were there in Hangzhou. They were very candid, happy with the performance, but not happy with the result. I also told my team and my girls also realized that we have the capacity to get the gold. They said it is a game but there is only one chance to qualify for the World Cup. Our focus should be on that and I am happy that we had a one-day meeting and they said whatever support we need, we are here to provide. We have some plans in place. I have written to a few of my counterpart coaches, that if their team is available, we can come and play there. Either in Europe, Australia or New Zealand. The team, those who are already qualified, we are keen to play with them.
How do you plan for the next 3-4 months?
Harendra Singh: Yes, that is very important. Our camp starts from 12th October. We are going to work on the technical skill and the physical part. By 15th December, the girls will leave for HIL. We want to leave them at the optimum level of fitness. That fitness, they should continue and maintain in the HIL. We have a 3-week camp immediately after HIL. We’d like to travel to play a few matches before the World Cup qualification.
