Nobbs looks at the bright side

After a week’s rest, following its defeat to Belgium in the final of the Champions Challenge tournament in South Africa, the Indian men’s hockey team will re-assemble for a three-week camp at the Sports Authority of India here on Monday. “We need the camp to fix issues we noticed in Australia and South Africa,” coach Michael Nobbs, who arrived here on Sunday afternoon, said.

A few members of the squad will not, however, join immediately. Tushar Khandekar and Rajpal Singh are set to tie the knot and will arrive a couple of weeks late. Sandeep Singh and Sardara Singh too will be absent for a few days for private reasons. Nobbs expressed disappointment at the result in South Africa but felt the side had played well.

“The performance was good; we beat a lot of good teams, but in the final we gave it away rather than Belgium winning it. We have to improve ahead of the Olympic qualifiers.”

The camp will conclude on January 4, although Nobbs will leave for home for Christmas.