The Indian junior women's hockey team left for South Africa in the early hours of Tuesday morning from the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Indian team, led by Preeti as captain and Rutaja Dadaso Pisal as vice-captain, will play a series of matches on the tour against the South African junior women's hockey team and South Africa A side between February 17-25.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking about playing in South Africa, Preeti said, "Everyone in the team is very excited to play in South Africa. This is the first tour for quite a few players and we are geared up for the challenge. We had a very good camp in SAI, Bengaluru where we also got to watch the Senior team closely."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"These matches against South Africa will be a good exposure tour ahead of the Asia Cup U-21 which will be a qualification tournament for the upcoming FIH Junior Women's Hockey World Cup. These matches in South Africa will help us understand the areas that need improvement," expressed Preeti.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On February 17, 18 and 20, the team will take on South Africa U-21 side followed by two matches against South Africa 'A' team on February 24 and 25.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"These matches against South Africa will be a good exposure tour ahead of the Asia Cup U-21 which will be a qualification tournament for the upcoming FIH Junior Women's Hockey World Cup. These matches in South Africa will help us understand the areas that need improvement," expressed Preeti.<\/p>\r\n\r\n