The Indian girls hockey workforce's two FIH Professional League matches in opposition to England, which had been earlier postponed as a consequence of COVID-related points within the English aspect, have been cancelled, handing the Savita-led aspect the highest place within the standings.
The 2 matches had been initially scheduled for April 2 and three on the Kalinga Staium right here however postponed as a consequence of a excessive variety of COVID-19 circumstances and accidents within the England workforce. The Indian workforce has now been awarded six factors -- three every for a match -- for the 2 cancelled video games.
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"The FIH Hockey Professional League matches between India and England (Girls), initially scheduled on 2 and three April in Bhubaneswar, India, however postponed as a consequence of a excessive variety of COVID circumstances and accidents affecting the English workforce, will sadly be cancelled, ultimately," the world governing physique stated in a press release.
"Certainly, regardless of all efforts from Hockey India, England Hockey and FIH, no dates may very well be discovered to reschedule the matches in India. Consequently, it has been agreed between the FIH and the two nations that the 6 factors out there for these 2 matches can be awarded to India." With six factors from the 2 cancelled matches, India leapfrogged Olympic champions Netherlands to occupy the highest place within the standings with 22 factors. The Dutch are second at 19 factors whereas Germany (13) are third.
India had crushed the Netherlands 2-1 within the first match of the two-legged tie right here on Friday earlier than shedding 1-3 within the shootout within the second recreation on Saturday.
Talking about her workforce's efficiency within the dwelling matches right here, India chief coach Janneke Schopmanof stated, "If we have a look at the preliminary video games we performed in opposition to China in Oman after which right here in opposition to Spain, we made numerous steps, numerous issues higher as in comparison with preliminary matches, however nonetheless tons to be taught, tons to enhance.
On the match India misplaced within the shootout in opposition to Netherlands on Saturday, Schopman stated that regardless of placing strain on their opponents, her aspect uncared for to create extra outcomes.
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"I believe we performed nicely for many of the recreation. Within the first three quarters, we put numerous strain on them, however we uncared for to create extra outcomes. We little bit rushed in the long run part, and sadly, we did not rating PCs right now.
"And, within the fourth quarter, we lacked a bit bit composure and misplaced the ball in direction of them." Captain Savita admitted Netherlands performed higher than of their first match which India received 2-1.
With lower than 100 days to go for the FIH Girls's World Cup to be held in Spain and Netherlands, Savita stated that the Professional League expertise will assist the workforce put together for the marquee occasion.
"We have performed our Professional League matches in opposition to high quality groups, and it has been nice studying for us. It's actually serving to us put together for the upcoming tournaments, particularly the World Cup," she signed off.
