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Deepika Credits Mentors For Record-Breaking Asian Games Hockey Performance
Deepika is an Indian hockey player who scores goals using a powerful move called a drag-flick.
She scored nine goals in one match against Thailand.
This broke her own earlier record of eight goals.
She has scored 20 goals in three matches at the Asian Games.
Deepika says three mentors helped her improve her technique and confidence.
She grew up in a wrestling family, which helped give her strength.
She also returned to competition after a serious hamstring injury.
India hopes to qualify for the Olympics, while concentrating on each match ahead.
Deepika scored a record nine goals in India’s 20-1 win over Thailand.
She has scored 20 goals across three Asian Games matches.
She credits Azad Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, and Taeke Taekema for developing her drag-flicking.
Deepika returned after a career-threatening Grade 3 hamstring tear and scored six goals in India’s FIH Nations Cup triumph.
India’s larger objective is Olympic qualification, but the team is focusing on one match at a time.
- Who
- Indian hockey player Deepika, supported by her teammates and coaches Azad Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, and Taeke Taekema.
- What
- Deepika set a record with nine goals in one Asian Games match and 20 goals across three matches.
- Where
- The matches are being played in Japan; Deepika spoke from Kakamigahara, Japan.
- When
- During the Asian Games campaign; the article does not provide specific dates.
- Why
- She says years of training, specialized coaching, team support, and a comeback from injury contributed to her performance; India is also pursuing Olympic qualification.
Key facts
- Record performance
- Nine goals in India’s 20-1 victory over Thailand
- Asian Games total
- 20 goals across three matches
- Previous record
- Eight goals against Uzbekistan
- Primary skill
- Drag-flicking
- Key mentors
- Azad Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, and Taeke Taekema
- Major injury
- Grade 3 hamstring tear that kept Deepika out for much of the previous year
- Recent team achievement
- India won the FIH Nations Cup, with Deepika scoring six goals
Quotes
Deepika
Indian hockey drag-flicker competing for India at the Asian Games
“Azad sir felt I could become a drag-flicker because I came from a wrestling family and naturally had the strength. Rupinder bhaiya taught me what drag-flick is all about and worked on the basics, while Taekema worked on variations, footwork and the mental side of the craft.”
rediff.com
“I didn't even realise I had set a record after scoring eight goals. I was just focused on converting the penalty corners. My teammates told me about it.”
rediff.com
Sources
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