Chaotic scenes before Indian team’s departure
Special Correspondent
NEW DELHI: Even as Indian hockey prepared to take off under Spanish coach Jose Brasa’s charge the team was left in a state of despair at Pune airport on Thursday morning. The team reported late and Kingfisher Airlines stayed prompt.
The “insult” that the team felt, was reflected in the delayed reception this evening to unveil the logo of Hockey India and also to give the team a send off.
To make matters worse, two of the former greats, Ajitpal Singh and Zafar Iqbal, were not accorded the privilege of sharing the dais with other officials at the logo-unveiling function confirming the general belief that Hockey India is no different from any other National federation.
Of course, Chief Coach Brasa, Assistant Coach Harendra Singh and captain Sandeep Singh were on the stage.
Harendra fumes
Harendra lost no time in blaming the Sports Authority of India for the mess at Pune. “We were told two buses would report. I got the confirmation at 3 a.m. The buses never arrived. Instead, we were given two matador vans and that too very, very late. All because of a SAI official,” fumed Harendra.
Brasa had done his bit earlier, unhappy with the delay in equipment. “We have been promised a video camera by Hockey India now. The SAI is very slow in taking decision but technology is faster than the SAI decisions. We will do our best despite the slow technology. Hope we get the video camera before we leave,” said Brasa even as Hockey India Secretary Mohammad Aslam promised to make necessary arrangements.
The event was not about SAI bashing. There was some mutual admiration too. Harendra described Brasa as a coach worthy of emulation. “I have learnt a lot from him at the camp. We have the skills but not the basics. When it comes to hitting, stopping, trapping we are below average. I learnt this from Brasa. We have to have scientific training.”
Brasa was short and to the point. “We have some excellent players. They are very, very nice. Harendra is an excellent person.”
The Spaniard was candid when assessing the state of Indian hockey.
“I know the team won many gold medals. But that was before 1975. The fact is that the Indian team is at the 12th spot in the world. It is a reality we should accept fast. On this tour (to England, Belgium, Spain and Holland) we are playing higher ranked opponents. We also have to have modern training,” said Brasa.
Harendra said, “There is a solution to every problem. This is the mantra we have adopted at the camp. We have to look at only the positive things.”
Brasa agreed. “We have to tackle all problems. We have a good set of warriors who can tackle the problems. We have a hard, united team. Five weeks (at the camp) is not a long time. We need four years to build a team. Our big moment will come in March (the World Cup) and we are geared up towards that.” The most important drill at the camp, confessed Brasa and Sandeep, was to overcome the tendency of conceding last-minute goals.
“We have worked hard on this aspect and have to put it to use during competitions. We have worked hard on our defence at this camp. It is a learning process,” said Sandeep.
Hinting at an improved show in the defence, Brasa admitted that losing Baljit Singh to an eye injury was a big blow.
“Losing first goalkeeper is a blow no doubt. We have to take care of him. His injury was the first problem we faced. And then the one (missing the flight) to get here and meet you. But we have to remain optimistic,” said Brasa.
The team was at the Pune airport for five hours.
Action promised
Hockey India President A.K. Mattoo promised to take up the matter involving the delayed transport and the attitude of the Kingfisher Airlines.
Harendra described the senior Kingfisher official at Pune airport as “very arrogant.”
Mr. Mattoo said, “We will take up this issue with the SAI and the airlines.”
The team leaves in the early hours of Friday. Goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh who replaced Baljit in the team will proceed later as his visa was awaited.