K. ARUMUGAM

USA will attract more than a little attention at the 2021 FIH Men’s Junior World Cup set to start in Bhubaneswar on November 24.

For one thing, the team has five players of Indian origin including the captain Jatin Sharma.

For another, its “Team Leader” is none other than Harendra Singh, former India men’s chief coach and one who guided the junior team to its second title at the last edition at Lucknow 2016. Head coach Pat Harris and Sharma, appearing in a virtual media conference on Thursday, November 18, were profuse in praise of Harendra and his influence on the US hockey efforts to develop.

Said Harris, “Harendra has a pedigree and has had an amazing effect on US hockey thanks to his vast experience and knowledge which he is passing on to players and other coaches and will be helpful to grow the sport in the country. “It would help organization of hockey in the US as well as coaching. He knows the standards and is setting it up well for us.”

The US, entering the fray as wild cards after Australia, New Zealand and England withdrew for Covid-related reasons, are going to face an ordeal by fire.

They are in Pool C with The Netherlands, Spain and South Korea and have come to Bhubaneswar with as little as 10 days training. An early arrival, the coach said, would help acclimatize to the conditions including weather and food according to Harris.

Mainly made up of students – Sharma himself pursuing a business management degree – the US, like Argentina lag behind their women’s team in terms of recognition and support.

“The sport is not professional and players have to think far beyond hockey and must also pursue studies and other things in life,” Harris said.

But make no mistake of their resolve which Sharma made a point to express. “We still have aspirations to play hockey and it’s not just something extra-curricular,” the 20-year-old said.

The big problem for the men’s game in the US is numbers. Harris addressed the issue while talking about the allure of other huge sports that draw male participants. “It means we have to work very hard to build a player base which we are attempting to do by approaching schools and colleges,” the coach said.

As for expectations at Bhubaneswar, Harris wants players to take leadership roles and younger players gain from the experience.

“That will be the first stepping stone,” he said.