Mara and Mia dream of Beijing 2022. “We have to believe it”

The Bellunesi Da Rech and Campo Bagatin are in Torre Pellice for the pre-Olympic tournament. “Movement on the rise, even thinking about the 2026 appointment”

They believe it. And how if the girls of Italy in women’s hockey believe it.

Even if the road to the Beijing Games is complicated and above all narrow, indeed very narrow. Two qualifying rounds to overcome, only the first classified advances. In short, the margin of error is close to zero.

Starting tonight, with the Olympic pre-qualification tournament. The appointment is at home at the “Cotta Morandini” in Torre Pellice and with the return of the public in the stands, it can be a strength that should not be underestimated.

It starts tonight at 20.15 against Spain. Then Friday rest, while Saturday and Sunday at the same time the opponents will be Taipei and Kazakhstan.

The eye of the Belluno fans will obviously be turned towards our two players, namely Mara Da Rech and Mia Campo Bagatin. Together with their national team mates, they will try to treat themselves and give the whole Italian hockey movement a great satisfaction.

MARA’S OPINION

Reigning Italian champion with the Eagles Alto Adige, Da Rech focuses on the strength of the group, but also on the qualities of the team led by coach Max Fedrizzi.

“We arrive at this tournament very charged and aware of our potential”, highlights the former player of the Alleghe. «I don’t deny you lack a bit of pressure, mainly due to the fact of playing at home. However, it is up to us to make it a factor to our advantage. We are a very young and united group and in my opinion this aspect is a very fundamental part in this pre-qualification: it can help us a lot to overcome difficulties and win matches. We have prepared well physically and tactically, so we can’t wait to play ».

The Olympics represent the maximum goal that every sportsman aspires to. Waiting for the 2026 Milan – Cortina appointment, in which the blue will be there by right, Beijing could represent a unique opportunity for growth.

“Going to China is a dream, but first of all we consider it a goal”, explains Da Rech. “Nothing is impossible and we aim for that.”

Now we have to overcome the first step.

«We do not underestimate any of the three opponents. The one to fear most is undoubtedly Kazakhstan, having players with physicality. In any case, with our speed and tenacity we will certainly give a hard time ».

MIA’S OPINION

Mia Campo Bagatin also believes in it, registered with the Ice Bears Dobbiaco.

«Playing in Italy is fortunate. Of course, the roster is quite young and many girls are competing for the first time in an event of this level. There will be a bit of tension, in any case we have been working together for a long time ».

Campo Bagatin then talks about the Italian women’s movement, which undoubtedly would need Olympic visibility to grow in the number of members and teams.

«There is a slight growth, and we can see that changes are taking place. More and more girls and girls are approaching this sport and the technical quality is increasing. The number of teams participating in the top national championship is also increasing, with a total of seven teams (Dobbiaco, Eagles Alto Adige, Girls Project, Lakers Egna, Piemont Rebelles, Plebiscito Padova Waves and Valdifiemme). Everyone tries to do the best possible in view of the 2026 Olympics, always looking to the future. Of course, the gap with other nations remains, however the desire to improve and aim high is not lacking ».

That’s why participating in the February Olympics would give a great hand. You can try it, believe it the same. From tonight it begins.