7/05/2020
By Saba Rajkotia
Speaking to India.com, Vandana Katariya discusses how India’s Women Hockey team is dealing with lockdown and the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus, she says, is on players staying fit and using this time to learn more about their opponents across the globe.
“Obviously the main thing for all of us is always to play hockey on the field, but this time has given us the chance to focus on other key factors which make a team so successful. We haven’t been able to be on the pitch, but our minds are always on the pitch. We are trying to maintain our fitness levels as best as we can, so that when we are back, we are sharper than our opponents
“Another aspect which has been talked about is how we are able to analyse different teams from around the world. We are watching various footage and with the help of our coaching staff, we are able to gain a lot from that”, she says.
Vandana, who has represented India in over 240 International matches, says the game has changed significantly since she began her career 13 years ago.
“When I had started off at the age of 15, I was always very fearless. I would try to use my skills, retain possession for as long as possible and then aim for goal. But with time, I realised you can’t play like that, especially when the sport has evolved so much. I also had to evolve, and I have actually enjoyed playing for the team and my teammates”, says Vandana.
With multiple years of experience, Vandana has successfully taken on a mentoring role in the team.
“Now with experience, and with the influx of so many young players in the team, especially in the midfield and forward-line, I really enjoy the mentoring bit. I know I have the experience which can be helpful to the younger players, and I keep talking to them about different situations that they will face on the field, and what all they can do”, she says.
“It is not as if I want them to follow exactly what I say, but I try to make them use their vision and think for themselves about what decisions they can make. For instance, when you are inside the circle, even as a striker, it is not always the best thing to shoot at goal, you have a split second to make that decision, and sometimes passing the ball to your fellow player or just winning a Penalty Corner can be a better option”, she added.
Speaking about the hockey team’s initiative to raise money for those in need during this challenging time, Vandana says “It was amazing to see the response that we got for the crowdfunding initiative, and we are all very delighted to have been able to provide over 1000 underprivileged families with meals. We are hopeful that the situation improves soon”.
