Harmanpreet calls for consistency before Olympics

With less than 150 days to go for the start of Tokyo Olympics, Harmanpreet said the team needs to work upon in some areas. “We havepaid a price in these matches for slowing down or dropping the tempo in between quarters. This is an area of concernin the lead up to the Olympic Games,”Harmanpreet said.

“Also coach (Graham Reid) believes we can do better in terms of circle penetration, tackling outside the circle and not concede too many penalty corners. A long camp will definitely help focus on these critical points,” the drag-flicker added.

India made a dream start in its maiden FIH Hockey Pro League campaign with 5-1 and 3-3 (3-1) wins over the Netherlands. The team then won 2-1 and lost 2-3 against Belgium, followed by 3-4 defeat and 2-2 (3-1) victory against title holder Australia.“Good results against world’s top 3 teams is no doubt a big morale boost but there are a lot of areas that still concerns us.

“When the team met after the double-header against Australia, it was decided that we will go back to basics when we meet for a four-week long national camp in SAI Bengaluru,” said Harmanpreet.

Meanwhile, the Indian women’s team vice-captain Savita said the team’s recent tour to New Zealand was a biglearning experience in its preparation for the Tokyo Olympics.