Penalty corners still a concern: CR Kumar

New Delhi: India women's hockey team coach CR Kumar was satisfied with the 3-0 victory over Poland in the Olympic hockey qualifiers on Tuesday, but said the low rate of penalty corners conversions remain a concern for the hosts.

India reached the top of the pool, ahead of South Africa after their 3-0 mauling of a lowly Poland, ranked 28th in the world.

"We are getting better with each match and with this win we have reached the top of the table and I am happy with the efforts of the girls," he said at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.

India play South Africa on Wednesday, before taking on Italy on Friday in their last league match.

"3-0 is a satisfying result, of course we could have scored more but they outnumbered our forwards inside the circle. We are more balanced in the attack, we are trying to penetrate from all avenues."

"But the penalty corners remain an area of concern, we are not earning enough penalty corners and not even converting them. We need to work on this areas," he said.

Asked about their upcoming match against 12th-ranked South Africa, Kumar said they will look to score some psychological points with a win on Wednesday.

"South Africa are a very good team and we are naturally looking for a win. It will give us a psychological boost. We are looking forward to the match and trying to keep all options open. We have to be as unpredictable as possible before crucial matches," he said.

A vital cog in India's wheels, Anuradha Devi Thokchom was injured during their match against Canada on Sunday when she suffered a hamstring muscle tear and Kumar said she would be out of the next two matches.

"Anuradha may be available for the last game but the physio said at least she is out for the next two matches. It is not a big problem because we have back up for her but she is a very good striker and obviously if she is there she would have some influence on the game," he said.

India play South Africa on Wednesday, before taking on Italy on Friday in their last league match.

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