The Chinese women's hockey team gained experience and confidence after an intense training camp in Australia, aiming for a podium finish with less than 100 days left until the Paris Olympics.
Perth, Australia, April 28 (Xinhua) The Chinese women's national hockey team completed a seven-week training program from mid-March to late April in Perth, Australia on Sunday, honing their skills for the upcoming Paris Olympics. Ta. As a strength displayed on the pitch.
One of the highlights of the program was China's participation in the 2024 Perth International Hockey Festival, where 26-man teams played against Australia and Japan in a double round-robin format.
Since Australia's two-time Olympic gold medalist Alison Annan took over as coach in May 2022, China had climbed from 14th to 8th in the world rankings before the match against Perth.
Three-time Olympic champions Australia, also known as the Hockeyroos, have remained a traditionally strong team without falling out of the world's top three for the past two years.
Meanwhile, Japan defeated Chile 2-0 in the Olympic qualifiers in January and broke into the top 10. China and Japan have been selected in the same pool for the Paris Olympics, and are set to play each other early in the group stage with the aim of advancing to the quarter-finals.
The first match between China and Australia on April 21st during the Perth International Hockey Festival ended in a 2-2 draw. China led 2-0 at half-time thanks to performances from Zou Meirong and Chen Yang, but Australia erased the lead in the second half.
On Tuesday, China recorded a resounding 4-0 victory over Japan at the Perth Hockey Stadium. China won seven penalty corners in 60 minutes, while the opponent could not take any.
After the match, Annan told Xinhua News Agency that “it was a great match” as China had the upper hand in the first round and the match went in their favor. “We've been consistently good and that's what we want to be,” the head coach said.
“In the last year, each individual has become a better hockey player,” she observed, adding that players are spending “more time than ever” watching footage to increase their knowledge and strengthen their fitness. He pointed out that he trained hard.
“Statistically, teams are breaking the circle and taking more shots on goal, while their opponents are getting fewer shots, and that's what we're looking for,” Annan said.
The Test series progressed to the second round, with China fighting back from a 2-1 deficit to defeat Australia 3-2 in Wednesday's match, which moved them to seventh place in the FIH standings.
A well-coordinated pass from the right wing found Cheng at the far post, and his easy finish helped China level the score in the final minute.
“We had already defeated Australia at the beginning of this year. We have played three games against Australia so far, one win, one loss and a draw. I feel our confidence grows with each win. “I'm there,” the 27-year-old said. -Old Chen.
On Saturday night, China defeated Japan again, securing a 4-1 victory. China were awarded nine penalty corners and one penalty stroke, with Gu Bingfeng and Chen scoring two goals each.
“We started slow. We let them be a little too involved in the play. But after that, we controlled the game. We moved the ball, worked hard, and we connected. We're a very good team. And we'll see the result tonight,” Annan said after the game.
With less than 100 days left until the Paris Olympics, Annan revealed that the entire team is aiming to win a medal.
“We have everything to win the Olympics. We have nothing to lose. Teams are looking at us now. They're thinking, 'Okay, China is doing really well now.' “Two years ago, they didn't think that.''It's also a big step for other teams to look at us, analyze us, and watch how we play.'' the coach said.
“We are doing everything we can to make that dream come true. It is a difficult job. But we are not under any pressure. We are growing and learning every day. ” she added. ■
