Young players have brought fresh approach to the team, says Lilima Minz

The Indian women's hockey team is currently training for the Olympics in Bangalore.

The Indian women’s hockey team midfielder Lilima Minz believes the core group, currently in preparation mode for the Tokyo Olympics has the right balance between experienced and young players. She went on to add that while experienced players are crucial to give the team direction in difficult situations, young players are equally important to add an energetic dynamic to the side.

“In the national camp for the Olympic core group right now there is a very healthy mix of experienced players who have played many international games for India before, and young players who have the hunger and drive to prove themselves at the highest level. This kind of balance allows the young players to have the guidance of senior members who know what it is like to play at the Olympics before," said the 27-year-old midfielder.

"At the same time, these young players keep the senior members on their toes as they know that there is someone who can replace them if do not perform well.”

On Tokyo Olympics

While reflecting on the similarities between this national Camp and the team that went to the Rio Olympic Games in 2016, Lilima Minz said that it is helpful to have a core group of players who have experienced an occasion like the Olympics before.

She remarked, “The fact that several players from the 2016 Olympics squad are present here in this camp is a good thing because sometimes players can get overwhelmed at a grand occasion like the Olympics. This is where players who have been there before can offer their much needed advice. Moreover, since our core group of players has played together for several years, we have a good understanding and communication on the field of how we want to play.”

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“There are a lot of new and young players in this camp who have brought a fresh approach and good healthy competition to the team. There is good competition for places in the final squad and I have to work hard and prove my worth for my inclusion if I want to make it there. That is what keeps me motivated to keep performing, as it is every player’s dream to play the Olympics, and I know that all our players are all doing the same,” Lilima Minz concluded. 

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