Bengaluru, Jan 22 (TIWN) India women's hockey team captain Rani has said that the team is looking forward to the New Zealand tour as it will give them a good boost for their preparations for the Tokyo Olympics slated to be held later in the year.

“We look forward to playing against higher ranked teams like New Zealand (World No.6) and Great Britain (World No.5),” said Rani ahead of team’s departure for Auckland.  “This is our first tour of the season so naturally we want to do well as it will give us a good boost in our Olympic preparation. A good start against tough teams will matter a lot.  “While we have done well in the past against Great Britain, New Zealand is one team we look forward to do well against. They play tough, attacking hockey and they will be quite challenging,” she added.