New Delhi, Oct 31 (IANS): Hockey India on Saturday announced the appointment of Matthew Tredrea and Kristie Sheridan as scientific advisors for the Indian women and junior women's teams respectively.

Tredrea has earlier served as the scientific advisor to the Indian women’s programme in 2013 and 2014 and is re-joining the team at a critical period before the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

"I am really happy to come back to India not only because it will be my second time with the team but also because I have been monitoring the team quite closely and the enthusiasm that these current set of athletes show is just outstanding," Tredrea said in a release.

"My expectation from the team is high and I am hope we can create magic on field and help India become a force to reckon with in 2016."

Kristie will be focused on scientific approach towards fitness and the game. She is an exercise physiologist and a strength and conditioning coach and will ensure the Indian team members are up to mark with their fitness levels.

"India will be a new experience for me and I am pleased to be joining the junior women's team. Hockey is a team sport and any coaching methodology only achieves its desired result within a team when the collective group have a positive outlook and are hungry for wins. As a team we will work together and am confident of creating good results for the future,” said Kristie.

HI secretary general Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad said: "I am delighted that we have put together an extensive team support structure for the teams and now with Matthew and Kristie joining our senior and junior women’s teams respectively, it will only strengthen our campaign for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

"Our athletes have shown tremendous results so far and I am confident the new additions to the coaching and support staff are only going to strengthen our team’s performance for the future."

The Indian women’s team will tour Argentina for a series from November 18 to 30.