Focus is on strength and physical fitness at national hockey camp: Janneke Schopman

India coach Janneke Schopman (right) gives instructions to Deep Grace Ekka during the Women’s Pool ‘A’ match against Ghana at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham last July. Pic/Getty Images

With the Hangzhou Asian Games in mind, the Indian women's hockey team will begin preparations for the busy year ahead when 33 probables assemble for the national camp here on Sunday.

Chief coach Janneke Schopman said the focus would be on improving physical fitness for the gruelling season ahead.

The Indian team recently returned from a tour of South Africa where they beat the hosts 3-0 in the four-match series. The Savita Punia-led side also played three friendly matches against world No.1 side the Netherlands.

Also read: Indian women's hockey team register stunning 7-0 win over South Africa

The team has been in good form over the past couple of years and achieved historic feats, winning a bronze at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, finishing third in their maiden Pro League outing and bagging entry to next season's Pro League after winning the Nations Cup.

Speaking about the camp, Schopman said: "I'm very happy we can start our camp this upcoming week. We had a good tour in South Africa which showed where the work is in the upcoming weeks. We will also use this camp to put a lot of attention on our physicality, making sure we have a strong foundation for the months to come." The camp will conclude on March 26.

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