The Indian hockey team, which will depart for the World Cup soon, had a surprise visitor on Tuesday as Sachin Tendulkar met them and gave them a pep talk ahead of the competition in The Hague, Netherlands from May 31 to June 15.
On the request of the Indian hockey captain Sardar Singh, Tendulkar came to the Capital, and spent nearly two hours with the entire squad during which he shared his life-time experience with the players. In his motivating talk, Sachin said that the players should believe in themselves.
“Do not allow pressure to come to you irrespective how strong you feel the team is. Start each match with a positive attitude and do a thorough preparation on each team that you are meeting, understand their weaknesses and strengths and accordingly prepare yourself. You have to keep your mind positive all through as hockey is a fast game hence you have to keep yourself free of pressure. Always remember no team is stronger than you. Visualize this in your mind and you will realise that your body automatically starts responding positively,” the legendary batsman, who retired last year after a glorious feat of 100 international in all forms of the game, said.
“The first match of my career was not that great as I could not score and because of which I had sleepless nights. I finally spoke to my seniors and they motivated me to not take pressure and be at ease and control of my game which helped me score 58 in my next match. I still follow this and share the same with every youngster that I meet,” Tendulkar added.
Meanwhile, Sardar said that Tendulkar’s presence made his day and that of the team. He said that after meeting the little master, there was a renewed sense of energy in the team. “It’s an honour for me that I got to meet him and after meeting him I am feeling very positive. It’s not only with me, I can see the same effect within the entire team as we feel a new force and excitement. I take this opportunity to thank him for speaking to us and instilling this self confidence of being as strong as our opponents”
Speaking about Tendulkar’s visit, India’s chief coach Terry Walsh said that the visit was motivating to his team. “It was a privilege to meet the legend of cricket. He is a great thinker and the time spent with the boys will have a resounding impact in the mind of the players. He spoke about the importance of positive approach in life and how one can attain success with a powerful mind and a positive approach,” the coach explained.
Sardar said during his visit Tendulkar shared his on and off field experiences with the hockey players which will be a great motivating factor for the team during the World Cup. “Sachin paaji shared his experiences with the players and wished the team good luck. He told the players about how to approach and prepare for a match,” he said.
“He emphasised on the fact that just like cricket hockey is a team game. He is the world’s best cricketer and his visit will instill confidence and self belief in the players,” Sardar said.
During his meeting with the Indian hockey team Tendulkar advised the players on how to approach a match.
“Do not allow pressure to come to you irrespective how strong you feel the team is. Start each match with a positive attitude and do a thorough preparation on each team that you are meeting, understand their weaknesses and strengths and accordingly prepare yourself,” Tendulkar said.
“You have to keep your mind positive all through as hockey is a fast game hence you have to keep yourself free of pressure. Always remember no team is stronger than you. Visualise this in your mind and you will realise that your body automatically starts responding positively.”
Sharing his own experience, the batting legend recollected how he had a sleep night after failing to score in his debut match. “The first match of my career was not that great as I could not score and because of which I had sleepless nights. I finally spoke to my seniors and they motivated me to not take pressure and be at ease and control my game which helped me score 58 in my next match. I still follow this and share the same with every youngster that I meet,” Tendulkar said.
“He spoke about the importance of positive approach in life and how one can attain success with a powerful mind and a positive approach.”