Indian hockey team gets going on new turf

NEW DELHI: The Indian hockey team got into the swing of things on the first day of the camp in New Delhi, getting a thorough feel of the Poligras turf at the Dhyan Chand stadium while beginning its low-intensity programme for the next one week.

With a little over three weeks to go for the World Cup, the Indians realised the importance of ‘home advantage’ and have tailored their practice sessions in such a way that it would help them understand the pitch better.

“The two-hour workout in the morning today comprised of running, penalty corner and technical drills,” national coach Harendra Singh told TOI. “We also had a game which told us more about the speed, bounce and roll of the ball, the bumpy stretches etc. The mood was upbeat because overall, the team felt that the pitch was good.”

The 21-member team will begin its session in the evening on Thursday and play under floodlights. “We will have a bit of strength training and drills but throughout this week, the accent will be on knowing the pitch better. We need to check out every inch as that will turn out to be our advantage during the World Cup,” Harendra added.