Bengaluru, 23 September 2020: Indian team opened their ProLeague with a win over Belgium early this year. Now, after resumption after Covid virus forced lull, the same Belgium has outplayed Germany at Dusseldorf yesterday for a flunet 6-1 score. Indian team now in practice at SAI facility in Bengaluru are keenly following the tie.

Indian forward Lalit Upadhyay said the following about the match.

“All of us had been looking forward for the FIH Hockey Pro League matches to start. Although we were hoping for a close game, it turned out to be quite one-sided. The German side struggled against their opponent’s attack and Belgium’s success inside the circle was very impressive.”

 “All six goals for Belgium came from six different goal-scorers. There is a lot to pick up from and analyze from this match. The loopholes in Germany’s defence is also something we can learn from as to what not to do against a team like Belgium.”  

“We were able to resume activities because of the early measures taken by Hockey India who ensured a Hockey SOP was in place as early as April. We were all briefed on guidelines to follow once the National Camp would begin so in that sense, resuming activities was smooth. Now our top priority is to hit the same fitness levels we were at earlier this year. Something that Germany seemed to struggle yesterday was with their speed and fitness so when we get back to competitive hockey that should not be the case with us.”

“We know Hockey India and the Coaching Staff have put together a plan for us to resume competitive hockey. We are hopeful that we can hit good form before that. Our intensity in National Camp will increase October onwards and we are moving in the right direction and are prepared for any scenarios.”

With input from Hockey India