Hockey team departs for FIH World Cup
For all the expectations and hopes from the Indian hockey team, their performances in the recent past doesn’t evoke a great sense of confidence. But that’s what they can change in the upcoming FIH World Cup to be held in the Hague, The Netherlands, for which the team departed in the wee hours on Thursday.
Since the arrival of coach Terry Walsh, the team has undergone several changes for good. The Australian has brought in changes not just in the personnel but also in the training programmes and focused both on physical and technical aspects of the game. Yet, it’s too short a time to expect a podium finish for Sardar & Co. “Team is all set for the World Cup. In the last 10 days the team’s level of sharpness has improved significantly. We have a lot of talented players and I believe that they can do wonders, Walsh said.
“A good finish at the World Cup will automatically place us at a good spot in the upcoming Commonwealth Games.“The positives of the side are that we have a good combination of experienced and young players who can outperform any team in the world. We aim to play well and rock the boat,” the coach added.
The prestigious event in The Hague will be a big test for Walsh and his boys and also an opportunity to pave way for taking to the heights of past glory. Considering Indian hockey’s rich history and the following downward spiral that saw India finishing last at the 2012 london Olympics, the performance in the world cup will set the tone for a better future.
The event also gives India a chance to show that India is not only a money-spinner that hosts richest league (Hockey India league) and series of international tournaments, but it also has the talent and will to be a superpower once again.
In an event like world cup, consistency is required and high performance director Roelant Oltmans also feels the same. “The main question is how consistent we can beIJ If we can be consistent throughout the tournament we can make a hard day for every team,” Oltmans was quoted as saying by PTI.
In the recent appearances, India have not had many successes. Among positives, they finished runners-up to Korea in the Asian Championships and followed it up with a sixth-place finish in the Hockey World league. However, they have got the exposure to be positive about their game. A recent trip to the Netherland one month ago, will keep them in good stead as far as understanding of the conditions, climate and pitch is concerned. And two practice matches prior to the world cup against Argentina and South Africa should give them the fair idea about the combination.
India are placed in a tough Group A alongside world champions Australia, England, Belgium, Spain and Malaysia while the Group B consists of hosts Netherlands, Germany, New Zealand, Korea, Argentina and South Africa. India will open its campaign against Belgium on the opening day of the tournament.
Skipper and mid-field maestro is hoping that the hard work they have done will pay off. “We are fully prepared for the World Cup and we will put in all our efforts to perform well in the tournament. We have done a lot of preparation and hard work during our preparatory camps in Delhi and it has helped us to improve a lot. Every match is important for us; especially a good performance in the first match will boost the entire team morale. Everyone in the team is fully motivated and geared up for the tournament.”
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