Antwerp (Belgium), June 18 (IANS): India women’s team custodian Savita Punia on Thursday said the side is dedicatedly practising penalty corners so that they do not face problems defending them at the Hockey World League (HWL) Semi-Final which starts here from June 20.

"The penalty corner is a very crucial moment of a match and it is also a tense moment for every player. All the pressure comes on the goalkeeper as his or her quick thinking can save a match or lose it.

"Under the new chief coach Mathias Ahrens, we are running the extra-mile to improve our skills in penalty corners,” Savita said in a release.

The 25-year-old said the team has made good progress and expects a good start to the 10-nation Olympic qualifying tournament that offers three spots for the 2016 Rio Games.

“We come before the practice sessions and work extra hours to strengthen abilities. We have made good progress and getting positive results.

"If everything goes as per our strategies, we can defend ourselves in penalty corners and concede fewer goals. We are looking forward to the tournament and expect a good start," she added.

The team will take on hosts Belgium on the opening day. The tournament will continue till July 5.