India’s Vice-Captain Smriti Mandhana Won’t Settle For Podium Finish At Commonwealth Games
India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana Won’t settle for a podium finish at the Commonwealth Games.
Spoke to the press about the team’s aspirations:-
Spoke to the press about the team’s aspirations before departing for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Also read:- Two South African Players Returning Home Ahead Of Commonwealth Games 2022
For the first time in 24 years, cricket is going to be a part of this year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. This will be the first time a women’s tournament will be played within a multi-sport event.
Speaking to the press before leaving for the Commonwealth Games, Smriti Mandhana spoke about similar aspirations for the women’s tournament.
This is something new for me and our team:-
“Really excited to be a part of the Commonwealth Games,” Mandhana said. “I think this is something new for me and our team.
We have never had the experience of going out and playing tournaments where other sports are also involved. So I’m definitely looking forward to it.
“We don’t have the experience of playing in the Commonwealth Games where we would try to get the gold medal because we’ve always imagined trying to put the trophy on a podium where we lift the trophy.
We are all really excited:-
“But now that we have to imagine going on the podium and getting a medal, I think it’s something new and we are all really excited.
It will be a great experience and a really new one for all of us, and I am sure we will all enjoy it and give our best.”
Mandhana clarified that the team will not only be satisfied with the podium finish and is looking to create history by winning the top prize.
Smriti said, “All the girls are really excited and we all know the feeling.” “We all know the feeling because we have all seen the Commonwealth and the Olympics.
Sure we’re aiming for gold:-
When the Indian flag is high and we hear the national anthem…everyone knows that feeling and of course, we are aiming for gold.
“I don’t think we’ll just look for a podium finish because when the flag is high and the national anthem is played, it’s the best feeling.”
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India have been placed in Group A against Australia, Barbados, and Pakistan. Their campaign will begin on July 29 against defending T20 world champions Australia.
Two days later, they will face arch-rivals Pakistan. They play their last group stage game on 3 August against Barbados. The top two teams from both groups will qualify for the semi-finals.