Times of India (PTI): Sachin Tendulkar’s presence would have helped athletes: Michael Nobbs

Hockey coach Michael Nobbs feels that Sachin Tendulkar’s presence with the Indian contingent at the London Olympics could have boosted the morale of the athletes just like Steve Waugh’s involvement has lifted the spirits of the Australian contingent.

“It would have been good if Sachin Tendulkar had come to motivate the players. The hockey team as well as all other Indian athletes would have benefitted,” Nobbs stated.

The champion batsman is not part of the contingent but the presence of former Australian captain Waugh with his country’s contingent has prompted the Indians to wish that the iconic batsman was also around.

Waugh is accompanying the Australian archery team to prepare them for the mental challenges of participating in the Olympics.

Waugh was known for being mentally strong as a cricketer and the Australians under him were notorious for their verbal volleys aimed to soften up the opposition. Waugh termed that as something aimed at trying to “mentally disintegrate” the opposition.

The Indian hockey players are desperately trying to make a mark following their return to quadrennial extravaganza after a gap of eight years. The team had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games to bring about a new low in Indian hockey.