Need to focus on defence to beat Australia in Olympic Test event: Savita

The Indian women's hockey team vice-captain Savita on Wednesday said they will have to defend as a unit if they wish to beat big teams like Australia and win the Olympic Test event, to be held in Tokyo from August 17 to 21.

The Indian women's team, currently ranked 10th in the FIH Rankings, will face tough challenges against the likes of world no.2 and three-time Olympic champions Australia, China (11th) and hosts Japan (14th) in the Test event in Tokyo.

"We will be playing a very strong team in Australia against whom we played well in last year's Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast. It was a tough defeat to take as we lost by a solitary goal, and it was also the semi-final of the tournament. However, we were proud of our performance," said Savita, who is also the first choice goalkeeper of the Indian team.

"To match Australia in all departments was great, But this time, we need to make sure that we defend well as a unit, and not give them any easy chances. I feel defence will be key in determining who wins the upcoming tournament in Tokyo," she added.

Savita said the team is now focused on a more balanced approach.

"We know we have a team which can attack and defend aptly depending on the match situations. We have the players who can help us in both the aspects.

"As a goalkeeper, what I try to do is help in organising the defence. Coordination at the back will be key for us going into this important year ahead."