KOCHI: Jane Tornqvist's name has been firmly etched in the history books of Swedish football having represented the Nordic country in more than 100 internationals, including two Fifa Women's World Cups of which her team finished runner's up at USA 2003.
Tornqvist, who hung up her boots in 2012, was also a name to reckon with in the Damallsvenskan, the top tier for women's football in Sweden, wearing the colours of Hammarby IF, Djurgardens IF and Kopparbergs/Goteborg FC among others.
Now, the Philippines-born former defender is looking to make an impact in India as women's football in the country embarks on a new journey with the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup, kicking off in Mumbai on Thursday, under the leadership of her compatriot and former coach Thomas Dennerby.
Tornqvist has had little time to work with the women's national team since joining as the strength and conditioning coach a little over two months ago. But the national team players look to be already reaping the rewards of her training regime.
"Ever since Jane joined, it's made a huge difference. As a goalkeeper, I can see the change in my movements on the pitch. I feel stronger, my jumps are higher, and my kicks are longer," India's first-choice shot-stopper Aditi Chauhan said recently.
"The potential in this team is very high," Tornqvist told TOI. "I think the only thing that can stop them is their own belief. They work very hard and are very committed. So, we just have to give them the confidence to believe in themselves," the Swede said.
Tornqvist has tried to make her presence felt ahead of 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 on offer at the Asian Cup will be at a very high level. "But I know where Japan have been. Australia are a very good team. So, compared to them, we have more work to do to reach their levels. Of course, we are also on our way, but things like this will take some time," Tornqvist said.
