Looking Forward to Upset Australia in Tokyo: Rani

Bengaluru: Indian women’s hockey captain Rani on Sunday said the team is going with a realistic target of creating an upset win against higher-ranked team Australia in the upcoming Olympic Test event starting in Tokyo from August 17.

The event which is said to be a good exposure ahead of the Olympic Qualifiers in November will witness the men’s team play against hosts Japan, New Zealand, and Malaysia while the women’s team will play against Australia, China and Japan.

“We have done well against Japan and China in the past one year but the one team we are looking forward to do well against is Australia. A win against them will make a big impact for our team’s preparations for the Olympic Qualifier,” Rani said ahead of the team’s departure from the Kempegowda International Airport.

Meanwhile, men’s skipper Harmanpreet Singh believes the Olympic Test event is a good opportunity for youngsters to shine as the entire team would be watched closely ahead of the team selection for the Olympic Qualifiers.

He further said that the tournament will provide the team an understanding of the Olympic venue.

“We are positively working towards making the Olympic Qualification. Playing at this venue will help us understand the playing conditions there and we are looking forward to a good tournament,” added the defender drag-flicker. Indian men’s team will play their first match against nemesis Malaysia while the women will take on hosts Japan on August 17. IANS

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