Indian Express: India pin hopes on mix of youth and experience for Rio glory
By Vinay Siwach
India men’s hockey team will be a mix of youth and experience with goalkeeper PR Sreejesh leading the side.
As soon as PR Sreejesh’s name was announced as the captain of India hockey team headed for Rio Olympics, a huge roar filled up the hall.
Politicians, administrators, former Olympians and others congratulated the players selected for the Games and it was a celebratory mood for everyone.
Away from the frenzy, Harampreet Singh, the youngest player of the team, stood in a corner looking on as others continued with their celebrations and interviews.
Rupinder Pal Singh, seeing that the youngster was standing alone, came up to him and cracked a joke.
Harmanpreet smiled and then the senior calmed his nerves. The feeling of being selected to represent your country in Olympics had to sink in.
It was true for more than half of the team. India named the squads for the Olympics with nine new faces in the men’s team from last Olympics while women’s team will be in Olympics after a gap of 36 years.
Apart from Harmanpreet, Surender Kumar is another surprise pick. Only three months after playing his first major tournament, Azlan Shah Cup in April, he has impressed everyone to make his way into the team.
The 22-year-old has benefited after injury to Birender Lakra ruled him out of contention. Surender’s performance in the Champions Trophy was crucial in India’s campaign.
The team provides a blend of experience and youth. Seven players will be representing India at Olympics for a second time.
While many think Sardar Singh not being the captain will have a negative impact on the team, it may not be completely true.
In PR Sreejesh, the team has a leader who is experienced and can also guide the youngsters. As a goalkeeper, he has an added responsibility. Sreejesh admitted that captaincy brings added responsibility but all the senior players will contribute when on the field.
The onus of the team will be on Sreejesh, Sardar, Manpreet Singh, SV Sunil and VR Raghunath. They also represented India at 2016 Games alongwith Danish Mujtaba and SK Uthappa.
But it also boosts with play makers like Ramandeep Singh, Kothajit Singh and Chinglansana.
Larka is unlucky to miss out on his second Olympics due to injury which is a big blow to the team. His experience in the defence would have given India stability.
A strong squad is heading to Rio and no divide seems to hurt them this team, a problem India have suffered in the previous Olympics.