Kumar looking at the bigger picture

PRINCIPAL CORRESPONDENT

Indian women’s hockey team coach C.R. Kumar is looking ahead at the big picture — the Olympics qualification in February next year. He is trying to form a pool of players with the hope that each one of them will play her part in the run-up to achieve the target.

The camp for the Champions Challenge tournament, scheduled in Dublin (Ireland) from June 18-26, is going on at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here.

The selection trials are over. However, the list of selected players is yet to be announced as the team think-tank does not want to demoralise any player and hamper the preparations.

The selected list is expected to be out in around 10 days’ time. It is likely to be loaded with experienced players as the younger ones, including the six spotted from the National championship at Rai, are in the process of catching up.

“This is a good opportunity for the young players to be part of the training camp with the experienced girls. They should make the most of it,” said Kumar.

In the Champions Challenge, India has been clubbed with Spain, Azerbaijan and Ireland in Pool ‘B’. Japan, South Africa, the USA and Scotland form Pool ‘A’. Currently, the girls are training hard to attain the peak of their fitness. They are also playing practice matches with local boys’ teams.

Kumar strongly believed that the Indian players lacked in the tactical aspect of the game.

“If the opponent team is making several attacks, that means our midfield is not working properly. So, we have to address that problem,” he said.

Besides, he had been telling the players about changing their gameplan as per the rival side’s approach. Kumar also underlined the change in positions of the players on the field.