Those not playing WSH?have missed out, says Jose Brasa

Dhananjay Roy

It’s the business-end of the hectic World Series Hockey league and with only the last three games before the semi-finals remaining, two spots are still up for grabs. Chennai Cheetahs are amongst the sides still in with a chance of making the last four and a win against Mumbai Marines at the Mahindra Stadium today will ensure their passage.

And although they would have liked to have made the semis with a few games to spare, coach Jose Brasa is glad that their fate in the competition still rests entirely in their hands. It’s been hard work for the eight teams since the league got underway on February 29 and the sort of schedule they’ve had to maintain has been something new for virtually everyone associated with the competition.

“It’s been a fantastic experience for all of us associated with the league. Players have been exposed to quality matches thus far and they have learnt a lot in the last month,” said Brasa. “Hockey is something Indians are passionate about and WSH has provided the followers a league to look forward to,” he added.

Despite Brasa’s assertion, the fact remains that the league has sorely missed the presence of the cream of Indian hockey. Nevertheless, the former India coach felt that it was the players, currently participating in the camp in Bangalore, who are the bigger losers. “It was an ideal opportunity for India to prepare for the Olympics, because no amount of training in camps can compensate for real match practice. So I feel, it’s the players who have missed out,” said Brasa.

The league has thrown up a few promising young players as well and Brasa hoped they would not fall victim to politics in the near future. “Every team has at least a couple of very good young players. They have proved themselves and I sincerely hope they will go on to play for the country,” he said.