Korea series win is vital to Indian team's preparations for FIH Women's Series Finals: Marijne

Indian women's hockey team coach Sjoerd Marijne Sunday said victory in the just-concluded series in South Korea is vital to its preparations for the forthcoming FIH Women's Series Finals.

The tournament is scheduled to be held in Hiroshima, Japan from June 15.

Against Korea, India won two back-to-back matches and lost the third match.

"It was not exactly the way we wanted to finish the series but I think the experience was important at this juncture," Marijne said.

Reflecting on the tour, he said, "Two of the three matches we did very good and executed our plans well. While those two wins were confidence boosting, we must forget those victories and only think about the last match which did not go according to plan and focus on how we can improve ahead of the crucial Olympic Qualifying event."

The core group will include 26 players for the upcoming national coaching vamp which commences on May 27 at Sports Authority of India, Bengaluru.

"Important thing is to get good recovery now as ..