Indian hockey striker Mandeep Singh believes the team has moved on from the initial disappointment which they had to deal with following the postponement of Tokyo Olympic Games and are now working on improving their skills and fitness during the lockdown in place due to COVID-19 pandemic.
“At first, it was disappointing (Olympic postponement) but with the entire world battling this crisis, we understand this decision was made keeping the players’ safety in mind,” Mandeep said.
“We have moved on from the initial disappointment and are now working on maintaining our fitness levels during this lockdown period.”
The hockey team, both men and women, are currently at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru where they are carrying out their fitness drills and keeping in touch with the game.
“We are lucky the entire core group is together here in SAI, Bengaluru and our coaching staff is also here. Though we are not doing hockey training we have been given a specific program schedule to follow which includes independent training schedule for all players,” said the Indian striker.
“This is something every athlete will have to deal with from across the globe and we are no different.
“At least, I would like to think we are in a better position than others with the team still together going about other aspects of training like analysing our opponents matches, making individual presentation to our coaches via video meetings and so on.
“We are in a better position to begin training once the lockdown is lifted,” he added.
India last won a Gold in Hockey in 1980 in Moscow Olympics. Since then, they have participated in eight Olympic editions but have failed to make a podium finish. And after qualifying for the Tokyo Games, the team was in high spirits and were looking forward to end the medal drought.
“This lockdown has not affected our goal of winning a medal at the Olympics,” Mandeep insisted while stressing on the goal of the team.