Apart from the players, video analyst Amrutaprakash and scientific advisor Wayne Lombard have also contracted the virus. The Sjoerd Marijne-coached side, who have already qualified for the Tokyo Olympics back in 2019, have restarted their international competitions post COVID-19 lockdown with two exposure trips to Argentina and Germany this year.
COVID puts a dent in India’s Tokyo 2021 preparations
Unlike their male counterparts, the women have endured a tough time on both their exposure tours, failing to pocket a single win. While they played out three draws and suffered four losses in their tour to Argentina, the Rani Rampal-led side lost all their matches in Germany.
Now with a mandatory 14-day isolation and post-quarantine recovery, it puts a question mark on the Indian women’s preparation ahead of the much-awaited Tokyo Olympics. Unlike men, the India women’s hockey team are not part of the ongoing women’s FIH Pro League.
At the Tokyo Olympics, India have been placed in Group A alongside Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, the Netherlands and South Africa.
Despite the positive tests, there has been no reaction from Hockey India.
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