KOCHI: Jane Tornqvist’s name has become etched in the history books of Swedish football after representing the Nordic country in more than 100 international matches, including two Fifa World Cups for women, where her team finished second in the USA in 2003.
Tornqvist, who hung up his boots in 2012, was also a name to be reckoned with in Damallsvenskan, the top tier of women’s football in Sweden, wearing Hammarby IF, Djurgardens IF and Kopparbergs / Goteborg FC, among others.
Now the former Philippine defender wants to make an impression in India when women’s football in the country embarks on a new journey with the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022, which starts in Mumbai on Thursday, under the leadership of her compatriot and former coach Thomas Dennerby.
Tornqvist has had some time to work with the women’s national team since he joined as a strength and fitness coach just over two months ago. But the national team players seem to be already reaping the benefits of her training plan.
“Ever since Jane came along, it has made a huge difference. As a goalkeeper, I can see the changes in my movements on the pitch. I feel stronger, my jumps are higher and my kicks are longer,” said India’s first shot. said stopper Aditi Chauhan recently.
“The potential in this team is very high,” Tornqvist told TOI. “I think the only thing that can stop them is their own faith. They work very hard and are very committed. So we just have to give them the confidence to believe in themselves,” said the Swede.
Tornqvist has tried to make his presence known before the continental event. “The players have improved a lot. They had basic strength when I met them, but there were areas we could work on,” she said.
But she is aware that the quality offered in the Asian Cup will maintain a very high level. “But I know where Japan has been. Australia is a very good team. So compared to them, we have more work to do to reach their levels. Of course we are also on the way, but things like this will take some time,” in Tornqvist.