India can finish as high as fifth in hockey World Cup: Brasa

PUNE: As the Indian hockey team shifts base from Pune to New Delhi ahead of the World Cup, chief coach Jose Brasa expressed confidence on Saturday saying “India can finish as high as fifth” in the tournament.

Pitted against arch rivals Pakistan in the first league match in Group B, the Spaniard said his players have the fighting spirit and will go all out to win this encounter considering the emotions attached with it.

“There is lot of sincerity and unity in the national team after the crisis was diffused,” said Brasa. Speaking to reporters before leaving for Delhi, Brasa said that the crisis in Hockey India (HI) had turned the team into “children without parents”.

The selection of the team for the World Cup is yet to be made.

Brasa pointed out three major issues in front of HI: 1. Holding of elections, 2. Hosting of the World Cup and 3. Looking after the national team. He said that despite these problems HI officials and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) have ensured international exposure for the team as well as training facilities at the Balewadi complex.

The team will be based at the renovated National Stadium in Delhi and will practise with the Combined Petroleum team in the run-up to the World Cup. Practise matches have also been planned against the Netherlands and Argentina on February 23 and 25 respectively.

Brasa rued the unavailability of certain training equipment. “Our requirements were not fulfilled entirely but we managed and did not give up training. The boys are mentally and physically fit to play in the World Cup,” he added. “Had the equipment reached us in time the team would have been perfectly fit,” he said.

Meanwhile, forward SV Sunil, who had hurt his right knee, has been rushed to Mumbai to consult orthopaedic surgeon Dr Anant Joshi. Brasa said, “The player got injured during practice two weeks ago. I am waiting for the MRI scan report.”

The doctors have advised Sunil a few weeks rest. He may miss the World Cup, said Brasa. Sunil also missed the Argentina tour due to a thumb injury.