Need to get enough match practice: Hockey coach Michael Nobbs
By Tushar Dutt
The Indian hockey team arrived in Pune for the training camp ahead of the four-nation Olympic test event in London from May 2 to 6. India has been invited to take part in the event with Great Britain, Australia and Germany being the other teams.
The camp, which was earlier based at the Sports Authority of India Southern Centre in Bangalore, shifted to Pune due to the unplayable condition of the turf there.
In Pune, coach Michael Nobbs is planning to utilise the high-altitude chamber and give the boys some match practice. “Apart from training at the high-altitude chamber, giving the players some match practice will be on our agenda in Pune. We have many players here to form groups to play a few games. Before the tournament, I want them to get some match practice,” Nobbs told DNA.
The tournament will provide some valuable experience to the Indian team as they will be playing at the same venue where the Olympic matches will be held. “Playing at the blue turf was already in our schedule before the London Games. We will be going to Spain a few days before the Games. We had planned to practice at the new turf there. But it is good that we will be able to get the feel of the venue in London,” he said. “Earlier, I had heard that there is not much difference between the green and blue turf but off late, I have been getting feedback that the turf is different from the usual green. It is a bit slower than the one we play here, so a few days’ practice would be good,” he added.
The coach, who has been emphasising on players’ fitness is happy with the progress the boys have made. “There has been an improvement by at least 50 per cent in their stamina. They have been working hard to match the strength of players from Australia and Europe, but it will take time to reach there. But as of now, I am happy to see them put on some muscles mass,” said the Australian.
Apart from the senior, the junior camp will also start from Monda