By ERROL D’CRUZ

In an ocean of football in their country, French hockey players are incognito and quietly go about their business. And quite well at that. If their runner-up spot at the 2013 FIH Junior World Cup is an indication. Or their exploits in the senior World Cup where they registered a sensational 2-1 victory over India way back at Lahore 1990 and a 5-3 over then Olympic champions Argentina at the 2018 edition.

These thoughts came to mind at a virtual media conference on Tuesday, November 23, where captain Timothee Clement and coach Aymeric Bergamo provided insights about their junior program and hockey in general along with those related to the 2021 FIH Junior World Cup for men that starts on Wednesday.

“Our preparation was short because of the Covid situation but we have arrived early here and played USA and Chile in practice games which were good”. France begin with a huge challenge – an encounter against India and Clement looked ahead to Wednesday’s encounter. “India is a big (hockey) nation and we have to be ready for big opponents. For that we must play well as a team,” the captain said.

Any talk of France and hockey inspires thoughts about the 2024 Olympics in Paris. And the French are diligently planning to put their best forward there. “We’re training hard at a national centre and we’re trying to bring the best players to the centre.”

France had matches against Belgium as preparation for the campaign but had to make do without four players who assisted the senior team, the coach said.

As expected, the French team comprises students in the main. “I study physiotherapy and there are teammates who are studying economics and architecture,” Clement said.

And many in the team are drawn to hockey, despite the lack of media attention, because of their families.

“Hockey is a family sport in France and that’s why I play it,” said Clement. “My sister plays the game. So did my parents and grandparents, so I took to it.”