For the present Indian hockey bunch of Olympic medal winners, the house World Cup this month could be one of the best shot at success within the showcase occasion, 1980 Moscow Olympics gold medallist MM Somaya stated on Wednesday.
India have not had a lot World Cup pleasure since profitable it in 1975, crashing out within the quarter-finals of the final version, additionally held at dwelling. The Tokyo Olympics bronze in 2021 although has been a shot within the arm and has additionally raised expectations from the Harmanpreet Singh-led workforce for the event beginning on Friday.
“It is a great alternative for us. After this batch finishes its time period, we could not get the same batch for just a few extra years. They’ll carry lots of confidence due to the Olympics,” stated Somaya, seated beside former internationals Edgar Mascarenhas and Adrian D’Souza in an occasion organised by the Sports activities Journalists Affiliation of Mumbai.
“We’re good medal contenders. Most groups are both rebuilding or have older gamers. Belgium, for instance, has an ageing workforce. Different groups like Holland have lots of younger gamers. The one different workforce aside from us that has a mix of youth and expertise is Australia.”
Australia have been that bogey workforce for India for some time now, and stay in order the 7-0 thrashing within the Commonwealth Video games remaining final yr confirmed. India’s current tour Down Below for a take a look at collection was good publicity however Australia in huge occasions is a unique ball sport. At CWG, India head coach Graham Reid had spoken about psychological block being an element. For Somaya, one of many options to the problem towards the Aussies was tactical—not going full press within the first quarter, “not placing a spot between your first line of defence and your final, and giving them lesser area to play”.
“Over the past 4-5 years we have been capable of conquer the concern of enjoying the European model. However Australia, within the first Quarter-hour, put a lot strain. They just about push you off the ball. And each time they arrive into your circle, they’re so sharp that inside the first 10-Quarter-hour they go forward by a few objectives. It instantly pushes you again. You must handle the preliminary aggression,” stated the previous India captain, including with a smile, “I hope we meet Australia solely within the remaining”.
Like Somaya on the 1982 World Cup in Mumbai, D’Souza is aware of the strain of enjoying a World Cup at dwelling, having been a part of the 2010 version in New Delhi. The previous goalkeeper, nevertheless, believes the togetherness of this group from the times of the lockdown to the Tokyo Video games medal will maintain them in good stead to handle that of their quest to go all the way in which.
“There’s going to be strain, little doubt,” he stated. “The primary two matches (towards Spain and England) will likely be crucial for India as a result of that can set us up for the remainder of the World Cup. And consistency will matter.”