Indian women's hockey team has improved in passing, coordination: Ritu Rani

Antwerp, Belgium: Prolific forward Ritu Rani feels the Indian women's hockey team is well-prepared for the Hockey World League Semi-Finals here after working hard on improving the passing and coordination.

Speaking about the tournament starting June 20, the 21-year-old said she is extensively working on holding the possession of the ball and improving her short passing skills.

"The tournament is really tough but the aim is the berth for the RIO Olympics. We are geared up as a team. I think the key will be to take the crucial passes as this enables keeping possession of the ball and moving further towards the opponent's Defence wall," she said.

This is possible if we keep pace with each other. We have been working on our passes and tackles and we are confident of a good start," she added.

Speaking on fellow striker Vandana Katariya, Rani said her return would help the side.

"We clearly missed her during the Hawke's Bay Cup. Her being back in the team strengthens our attack as she is good with her speed and her skill to break the defence chain at times leaves the opponents on the back foot," he said.

India will play their first match against Belgium on June 20.