India badly needs competitive matches

Special Correspondent

MUMBAI: Hockey India managed to convince the Indian men’s World Cup probables to resume training last week after a timely response from sponsor Sahara India.

The team morale is high, players and coaching staff are working overtime at Balewadi to make up for the six days lost due to the strike.

At this point, the missing link in the home team’s 2010 World Cup preparations is shortage of competitive matches against international sides and delay in gaining home advantage by reaching New Delhi for training at the World Cup venue.

Awaiting clearance

Chief coach Jose Brasa is awaiting clearance from HI about shifting the training base to New Delhi and confirmation on practice matches against India ‘B’, China and France so that different combinations can be tried out before finalising the World Cup squad.

“Practice matches against different teams at New Delhi are a better way of assessing players in different situations. We are looking for competitive games against the Indian development squad, besides two international squads,” said Brasa. The 22 probables are training among themselves at Balewadi.

India’s last international assignment was the Champions Challenge in Salta, Argentina. “Matches against Germany and China were supposed to be arranged before the Champions Challenge, but it did not work out,” said Brasa.

India came back with a bronze from Salta. Subsequently, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) refused permission sought by HI for a four-nation event in the capital.

“The players need match practice. I have given the schedule to HI, and am awaiting clearance,” Brasa added.

As per the preparation schedule worked out by Brasa, the 22 probables were expected to be pitted in practice matches against India ‘B’ (Jan. 23, Feb. 20), China (Jan. 28, 30) and France (Feb. 10, 12 and 14).

Brasa’s final phase of preparation for the Indian team includes matches against Argentina and The Netherlands.