New Delhi: The Indian women's hockey players have been told to not indulge in their favourite spicy dishes and sweets as part of a strict diet aimed at maximising their chances of qualifying for Tokyo Olympics.

High on confidence after its title win in FIH Hockey series in Hiroshima last month, the women's team is practicing hard for the final Olympic qualifier, to be held in November. Captain Rani Rampal claims that this is the fittest Indian team in a long time and praised scientific adviser, Wayne Lombard, for this change.