Controversies have bonded the team, says Rajpal

Day in Pics: February 24
NEW DELHI: The India hockey team might have been in news for all wrong reasons in the recent past, but captain Rajpal Singh feels the controversies have only helped the team to bond solidly ahead of the World Cup, beginning on Sunday at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.

The relaxed Indian captain did not want to dwell on the reasons for the agitated players boycotting the national camp for six days last month in Pune, demanding payment of their match fees, sponsorship money and bonuses. He appeared satisfied that something good had come out of their controversial stand.

“If people want to call it controversy, so be it. But these things have only strengthened the team unity. We feel we are working together more and we are a motivated lot now,” Rajpal said.

“The morale of the team is high; we just can’t wait for the 28th for our opening game against Pakistan. I would like to assure everyone that we will play our hearts out.”

For the record, the green shirts had beaten India in all their three meeting last year, but Rajpal insists that these results won’t have a bearing on Sunday’s World Cup match. In fact, he hopes, with a little bit of luck, for a top-four finish for India.

“The match will be an important match for both the teams. In fact, it is good that we are meeting them (Pakistanis) straightaway, otherwise the prospect of that match would have played on our minds. I think we have a good chance of winning with the home advantage. Our crowds will be like cricket team’s 12th man for us,” he said.

“Pakistan are not the only team for us to worry about in a tough draw. We have Australia and Spain too in our group, but then in the World Cup there can’t be any easy outings. Anything can happen. We have to be at our best and finish well. I hope we can get to the semis.”

“We are happy with our preparation. We have been practising for a month now and have adjusted to the turf here. We are confident of a good showing in the World Cup.”

The Indians beat Argentina 2-1 in a practice match Tuesday and during that game Rajpal said the team stuck to its known formations without trying out anything new.

“Our game against the Argentinians was good and we tried out things we were doing in our training without trying to be fanciful. We are approaching the practice matches to get as much quality match practice,” he said.

On playing under a heavy security cover, Rajpal said they have been used to playing in such situations. “Whenever India and Pakistan played, the security had always been tight. So the unprecedented security is not a problem for us.”