The failure to clinch the gold medal at the just-concluded Asian Games still fresh in its mind, the Indian women's hockey team will look to showcase its real potential in the Asian Champions Trophy when it starts its campaign against Thailand in Ranchi on Friday.
India lost 0-4 to China in the semifinals of the Asian Games in Hangzhou but defeated Japan 2-1 to clinch the bronze medal. The bronze medal, however, was a disappointing result for the Indians, who started as favourites and were eyeing a gold in the Asian Games, which would have given them a direct ticket to next year's Paris Olympics.
The ACT, however, will provide a perfect platform for the Savita Punia-led side to avenge their defeat against reigning Asian Games champions China and silver medallists Korea, against whom they drew 1-1 in the league stages.
Six teams, including hosts India, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Thailand will compete in the tournament. As per the format, all six teams will play each other in the round-robin league stage and the top-four teams will advance to the semifinals.