World cup was a learning experience: Rajpal Singh

CHANDIGARH: Notwithstanding their dismal show at the World Cup, Indian hockey captain Rajpal Singh on Wednesday said it was a learning experience for his team and would help them to prepare for the Asian games.

“We may have lost in the World cup, but the players after getting lot of experience from the tournament are now looking at the Asian games ahead,” Rajpal said after being felicitated by the Punjab University at its convocation.

“Our focus now is Asian games,” the Chandigarh-lad said adding that the players are now looking at the Commonwealth Games as a preparatory tournament for the team.

Expressing satisfaction at the blend of old style and attacking hockey played by the team, he said that the boys were contributing a lot towards the game.

Rajpal said that the bench strength of the team was strong and players are looking forward to the upcoming major events.

The skipper, however, admitted that the defence of the team was weak.

“In the World Cup, other teams quickly managed to read our strategy which led to our downfall in the games against opponents,” he said.

The lanky forward said that the players are working hard and exuded confidence of a better performance by the team in the Asian Games.