NEW DELHI: Notwithstanding the recent controversies, the Indian hockey team sounded positive before its departure to Salta (Argentina), via Madrid, to participate in the Champions Challenge I tournament next month.
Rubbishing reports of ‘revolt’ in the Indian side as “all lies”, chief coach Jose Brasa said the players had prepared well for the crucial tournament.
“The players are improving well. They are very motivated and fighting for their places. It is difficult to get such a bunch of committed players to see India back among the best in the world,” Brasa told mediapersons here on Sunday.
He said the team was getting used to the new training methods. “They are learning (new) ways of attacking, attacking from the circle, understanding between two players and (the importance of) movements,” Brasa said, adding that the players needed to work on improving their mental strength to stay calm during the closing stages of a game.
The Spaniard said, so far, his experience with the Indian team had been very nice.
Striker Rajpal Singh, donning the role of the skipper of the National side for the first time, was equally excited. “The successful tour of Canada has given the team a lot of confidence. We are hoping to do well in the Champions Challenge I,” he said.
The Chandigarh-based player said he was ready to give his best and carry out his responsibilities as a leader.
The Indian captain said the players shared a good relationship with chief coach Brasa and were learning new things under his guidance. Asked if the team would miss the services of drag-flicker Sandeep Singh, who missed out on the tour because of a back problem, Rajpal said, “Sandeep is a key player, so his absence would be felt.”
The Indian team will fly to Madrid, where it will take a week’s break before moving to Salta. During its stay in Madrid, the team will play three practice matches against local sides. Besides, it will fine-tune some tactical aspects of the game.
The tournament is expected to be a tough test for the Indian side as teams like Argentina, Belgium, Canada, China, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa will be seen in action. The tournament will be played from December 6 to 13.
The champion team will qualify for next year’s Champions Trophy. The tournament will provide an opportunity for India to test its strengths and weaknesses just a few months before the World Cup at home. “This is a good opportunity as playing a competitive tournament like this is much more beneficial than playing a Test series,” said a coaching staff of the Indian team.
Logo unveiled
Meanwhile, the logo of the Hero Honda World Cup, to be held in the capital city in February next year, was unveiled here on Sunday.
Narender Batra of Hockey India and Anil Dua, Senior Vice-President (Sales and Marketing), Hero Honda, unveiled the logo.
The Indian team was present at the function.