Disappointed with India's performance in the 1-2 loss to New Zealand on Wednesday, team's coach Roelant Oltmans said his side failed to produce the energy it had exhibited so far in the 25th Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here.
"I'm obviously disappointed with the loss. We had our chances that we could not convert," Oltmans said.
"The hot and humid conditions took a lot out of the boys and we were not able to get energy we had shown in our earlier matches," said Oltmans, who praised the rivals for overcoming the conditions better. “I have a lot of respect for New Zealand, who've played three matches in the afternoon during the past four days."
The mercury in Ipoh had crossed 37 degrees Celsius, and it was much hotter on the pitch with the heat from the watered turf making the players' task tougher.
"The execution of penalty corners suffered because of the humid conditions. The slippery hands were not able to perform the perfect job," Oltmans said about the two penalty corners in the second half when India went about looking for the equaliser.
New Zealand's coach Colin Batch said his players showed good signs and the reward was a victory over India.
"I am told that yesterday was hot, and today was hotter. The players only get some relief when the sun goes behind the clouds," said Batch. "Both teams deserve full credit to be able to play a good game."