I have kept as less changes as possible

A gold medal in the Incheon Asian Games, a silver medal in the Commonwealth Games and a series win against Australia – the year 2014 has been a good year for Indian hockey. But, in spite of these achievements, if anything has caught more attention than the team’s performance, it is the episode revolving around the resignation of Terry Walsh.

While the national media is busy still searching for explanations from all corners, the people who have been affected the most by this – the players themselves, have decided to leave everything behind and keep the nation first in their quest for the Champions Trophy.

So, while Sardar Singh and the players tried to dodge every question on Terry Walsh, current coach Roelant credited the team for handling the situation so well.

“I am proud of the players who have coped with the situation very well. It is not a normal situation for them, but they have gone ahead and responded well. There will always be certain kind of distractions before a tournament, this time it was much bigger. But the players have kept their focus,” Roelant said.

“It is never pleasant that your coach leaves prior to an important tournament. But, I have been close to the team as well. I knew what Terry was doing and how the team was preparing. I have my own way of training which is different. But, I have kept as less changes as possible,” he added.

On the preparations for the event which starts from December 6, he said that the team is high on confidence after a good season and will continue their fine momentum in the Champions Trophy as well.

“The boys are in good shape. They got lot of confidence during the last couple of events – right from the World cup, then the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games and the Australian tour, they have improved with every tournament, which is the important thing. We will try to carry it forward,” the Dutchman said.

“Also we have young players like Lalit and Gurjinder who are playing really well. It will be an advantage for next year as we need more young blood in the team.”