India Head Coach Crispin Chettri:<\/b> India Head Coach Crispin Chettri backed his young side to continue their development after the new-look Indian women\u2019s national team went down 0-4 to Russia in the first of two international friendly matches at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Iana Sheina\u2019s moment of brilliance gave the visitors the lead in the 40th minute, and substitute Kira Petukhova struck twice in the 60th and 65th minutes. Iana Svistunova completed the scoring in the 81st minute as Russia\u2019s sustained pressure wore down the Blue Tigresses after the break.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite the result, Chettri was pleased with the character shown by his players during the opening stages, and stressed the importance of taking the learning forward as India build towards their long-term goals. <\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think the positive of this match is, although being a young side, we showed character. We are not scared to press; we are not scared to run. We try to do things which are in our control,\u201d Chettri said during the post-match press conference. <\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Head coach also highlighted the commitment shown by the players during the team\u2019s 25-day camp, pointing to their efforts in dealing with Russia\u2019s physical presence and set-pieces. \u201cThe most important thing is we showed character, we didn\u2019t give up. So that\u2019s the best thing for me,\u201d he added. <\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chettri acknowledged that the lack of competitive football since June proved challenging, particularly against a Russian side in the middle of its league season. However, he underlined that the experience would be valuable for the young players as they continue to grow at the international level. <\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Looking ahead to the second friendly on October 11, Chettri revealed that the team will work on improving their ability to sustain their intensity for longer periods, while also giving more opportunities to youngsters who featured in the latter stages of the first match. <\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chettri acknowledged that the lack of competitive football since June proved challenging, particularly against a Russian side in the middle of its league season. However, he underlined that the experience would be valuable for the young players as they continue to grow at the international level. <\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> Special Cricket Stories<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n