With the India already qualified for next year’s Rio Olympics, the Indian men would look to develop and focus on mental aspect of the game, in the upcoming FIH World Hockey League semis in Belgium. The Sardar Singh-led-side looked in a relaxed mood while interacting with media on the eve of departure to Belgium.
Indians are facing some injury foes with lead drag-flicker V Raghunath missing out due to injury along with striker SV Sunil and defender Kothajit Singh. Though, coach Paul Van and skipper Sardar are not worried of their absence.
Defender Rupinderpal Singh who earlier missed out on the Belgium ticket, will replace Raghunath on the defensive duties along with his power-bags draggies. According to coach Paul, Rupinderpal will not be seen playing in the center defence in this tournament.
“I am seeing him in another position on the pitch. He will not play in the center, he will play on the sides. Will see how he plays there. I am looking at more mobility in the center”. Coach Paul Van said.
While Devender Walmiki and defender Satbeer Singh will get in the squad for SV Sunil and Kothajit Singh. Another midfielder, Gurbaj Singh, had suffered a fractured nose after being hit by a ball around the same time, but is fit to play.
Van Ass said injuries are part and parcel of the game.
“It will always happen. It happens when you push the level and intensity up while training. When you raise level it is severe on the body. But I take it as it is, key players are missing but it’s also an opportunity for others. If one is missing, the other can step up,” he said.
Birender Lakra, who was recently named as player of the year, said there was “no pressure on the team” since they were playing well.
“Under the new training structure, the players are being trained on different positions. It has been a learning period, like man-to-man marking. We have to adjust to new structure,” he said.