Hockey men keen to break jinx

uthraGchaturvedi

The media on Saturday finally got a look at the Indian men’s hockey team. The team had trained behind closed doors for over a week. And it turned out to be a reassuring sight as the team that has never won a Commonwealth Games medal seems set to break the jinx.

India’s best performance has been a fourth-place finish in 1998, the senior member of the team Arjun Halappa said things will be different this time around. “We haven’t played competitive matches since the Europe tour so the practice games are very important.

Except England, the other main teams here have a different style of play. So it was crucial for us to get a feel of the pitch and the competition,” said Halappa.

This may well be Halappa’s last Commonwealth Games, and the mid-fielder is keen that he finishes on a high. “Playing at home is an advantage. Even during the World Cup, the crowd support played a big part in our good showing. We are first targetting the semi-finals,” he said.

Going by the results of the practice games, India won four and drew one, the home team looks confident of the upcoming challenge. But Halappa is cautious. “Australia are obviously the favourites but there are other tough teams. Pakistan, England and Malaysia are also tricky opponents. But we have practiced well and these games have helped us get better used to the pitch and the conditions,” he said, adding that the Games will be ideal preparation for the Asiad next month.

He, however, is disappointed that there are no video referrals for the competition. “The referrals were there at the World Cup and they made a difference to results. The margin of error is very small and in close games, it may affect the result of the match.”

For Bharat Chetri though, being the lone goalkeeper in the squad hasn’t meant any added stress. “There is no pressure. If I do work hard and do well, why should there be pressure,” he says with a smile that makes it evident that he is enjoying his time back under the bar. For Chetri, being with the Indian team again is fun. “It’s good, we are at home and there is nothing to worry about,” Chetri said.