"We always want to play with a crowd that's not in our favor" - Chile captain Camila Caram on crowd support in Women's Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024
Chile hockey player Camila Caram is the most experienced to represent the country in the upcoming FIH Women's Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024 in Ranchi.
She has played 266 matches for the national team since her debut in 2006. Camila dons jersey no. 13 and is currently the most capped player in the Chile Women's Hockey Team.
Camila Caram will lead the side in the FIH Women's Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024, slated to commence on January 13 in Ranchi, India. Chile, led by the 34-year-old, are pitted in Pool A of the competition alongside the Czech Republic, Japan, and favorites Germany.
Sportskeeda caught up with Camila Caram ahead of the competition to discuss the team's bronze medal at the Pan American Games 2023 and her experience with the national side.
Chile are heading into this tournament following a bronze medal finish at home at the Pan American Games 2023. They were drawn in Pool B of the competition alongside Canada, Cuba, and Mexico.
The hosts finished atop the standings, winning all three games and making it to the semis. They lost their semi-final match against the United States in a penalty shootout after the regular time ended in a 1-1 draw.
They were up against Canada in the third-place match with their eyes on the bronze medal. Hosts Chile beat Canada 2-0 to end the competition with a bronze medal.
Speaking about finishing third at the Pan American Games 2023, Camila said:
"The tournament was a great opportunity for the team. We are happy with the result. We came third so that was a medal for us and it was something that we hadn't got for a long time."
Skipper was happy with the crowd that turned out for the matches in huge numbers to support Chile at home. She asserted:
"The crowd was awesome and it was a full stadium for every game."
Camila Caram is a senior player with the Las Diablas and has played the most matches for the country. When asked about her experience and the value she's looking to share with the young girls, she said:
"I am the most experienced player and it's great to be able to give knowledge to the young girls and show them that every game is important. It's not the end of the world, so you just have to perform and not get nervous for every match."
The national team skipper added:
"It's been many tournaments that I've played so far. In the end, you have that part where you don't get nervous and where you play every game just to give the best you can."
She also stated that it's important to have both experienced players as well as youngsters in the team. Speaking about the young players' contribution, she added:
"The young players keep us all young and they bring all the joy."
Chile will get an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of a huge Indian crowd. The Women's Asian Champions Trophy, which was held last year at the very same venue in Ranchi, witnessed people turn out in huge numbers.
When asked about the away crowd and what she's looking forward to from them, Camilla answered by saying:
"We always want to play with a crowd that's not in our favor. During the matches, we'll think that the crowd is actually in our favor. We just really can't hear what everybody is shouting so we're putting in our minds that they are by our side. That's our strategy."
It's not been too long since the Chile team has arrived in Ranchi. Camila mentioned that the team hasn't been able to go around much yet. However, they are looking to explore the city once the tournament is over as none of the players have been to Ranchi before.
In the final stage of the conversation, Camila was all praise for Chile Women's Hockey Team Head Coach Vigil Sergio. She concluded by saying:
"Our coach is a very inspiring person. He believes in us and what we are capable of doing. Sometimes, he believes in us more than we believe in ourselves. Vigil [Sergio] always tries to motivate us to give our best and knows what our potential can be."