NEW DELHI: The environment is way lighter within the Indian camp. Jokes are being cracked often, and all discussion overs inclusions and exclusion within the World Cup squad have been dumped. It wasn't any place near that once the defeat in Asian Games. But the players have controlled to bury the previous.
The Asian Champions Trophy win used to be at very best a short lived pain-reliever, but it helped. The smiles have returned. Most importantly, a sense of togetherness is palpable -- even if a lot of individual careers may be at stake in Bhubaneswar over the next 3 weeks.
Over the previous 12 months, trainer Harendra Singh has attempted to programme his players with a thought that is central to his plans: "Play to leave behind a legacy". And he speaks out of experience.
The junior World cup win under Harendra two years in the past used to be no mean feat. Though he had more time to build that crew, the trainer appears to be happy with the 18 seniors given to him to finish India's 43-year jinx of a World Cup medal.
The surroundings could not have been mightier, even if a ways from the power corridors of the game, towards country's east. Odisha is among the strongholds of Indian hockey, a cradle that raised players like Dilip Tirkey, who went on to guide the country at the large stage. And now Bhubaneswar's Kalinga Stadium, the venue of the World Cup, is among the main destinations of international hockey.
At No. 5, India have left in the back of groups like Germany in FIH Rankings, thanks to consecutive silver and bronze medals at the Champions Trophy and Hockey World League respectively.
But reputations will also be left back at the sidelines when India run in to take box at the World Cup. Leading as much as that second on November 28 within the opening match towards South Africa, Timesofindia.com picked brains of the Indian think-tank and promising children.
CAPTAIN TALK - Manpreet Singh
"Everyone was disappointed by the Asian Games performance. We had an aim, to win it. It couldn't happen, but that's history now. We can't change it. We need to move forward. We made a comeback with the Asian Champions Trophy, regained confidence and now are ready for the World Cup."
TALISMAN OF THE TEAM - PR Sreejesh
"Every opponent works on you...When you are on the top of your game, you need to change something. That's what even I am also trying to do. I have worked on a couple of things, so that I can have a surprise up my sleeve for the (opposition) forward line."
FROM JUNIOR TO SENIOR - Harmanpreet Singh
"Whatever team is announced, nobody has a problem. That's how good our understanding is with each other. We have played a lot of tournaments together. We train together, live together, go out together. So the understanding is very good."
YOUNG BLOOD - Dilpreet Singh
"I am among the most junior players in the team. If we commit a mistake, the seniors sit down with us but have never been harsh, never demoralise. They always say that I have a lot of time on my hand and advise to keep learning from my mistakes."
COACH'S CORNER - Harendra Singh
"You have to earn the India color. When you earn it, you should realise the responsibility that comes with it. You should intention to leave your jersey and the number as a legacy.
"Injury is a part and parcel of sports activities. You have to cope up and now not just stay pondering that this player is injured or that player is injured, that is why outcome isn't coming. That mentality has to change. We are pros."
The Asian Champions Trophy win used to be at very best a short lived pain-reliever, but it helped. The smiles have returned. Most importantly, a sense of togetherness is palpable -- even if a lot of individual careers may be at stake in Bhubaneswar over the next 3 weeks.
Hockey World Cup 2018: Meet Team India
02:24
Over the previous 12 months, trainer Harendra Singh has attempted to programme his players with a thought that is central to his plans: "Play to leave behind a legacy". And he speaks out of experience.
The junior World cup win under Harendra two years in the past used to be no mean feat. Though he had more time to build that crew, the trainer appears to be happy with the 18 seniors given to him to finish India's 43-year jinx of a World Cup medal.
The surroundings could not have been mightier, even if a ways from the power corridors of the game, towards country's east. Odisha is among the strongholds of Indian hockey, a cradle that raised players like Dilip Tirkey, who went on to guide the country at the large stage. And now Bhubaneswar's Kalinga Stadium, the venue of the World Cup, is among the main destinations of international hockey.
India start hunt to finish 43-year look forward to a Hockey World Cup
02:00
At No. 5, India have left in the back of groups like Germany in FIH Rankings, thanks to consecutive silver and bronze medals at the Champions Trophy and Hockey World League respectively.
But reputations will also be left back at the sidelines when India run in to take box at the World Cup. Leading as much as that second on November 28 within the opening match towards South Africa, Timesofindia.com picked brains of the Indian think-tank and promising children.
CAPTAIN TALK - Manpreet Singh
"Everyone was disappointed by the Asian Games performance. We had an aim, to win it. It couldn't happen, but that's history now. We can't change it. We need to move forward. We made a comeback with the Asian Champions Trophy, regained confidence and now are ready for the World Cup."
TALISMAN OF THE TEAM - PR Sreejesh
"Every opponent works on you...When you are on the top of your game, you need to change something. That's what even I am also trying to do. I have worked on a couple of things, so that I can have a surprise up my sleeve for the (opposition) forward line."
FROM JUNIOR TO SENIOR - Harmanpreet Singh
"Whatever team is announced, nobody has a problem. That's how good our understanding is with each other. We have played a lot of tournaments together. We train together, live together, go out together. So the understanding is very good."
YOUNG BLOOD - Dilpreet Singh
"I am among the most junior players in the team. If we commit a mistake, the seniors sit down with us but have never been harsh, never demoralise. They always say that I have a lot of time on my hand and advise to keep learning from my mistakes."
COACH'S CORNER - Harendra Singh
"You have to earn the India color. When you earn it, you should realise the responsibility that comes with it. You should intention to leave your jersey and the number as a legacy.
"Injury is a part and parcel of sports activities. You have to cope up and now not just stay pondering that this player is injured or that player is injured, that is why outcome isn't coming. That mentality has to change. We are pros."
Hockey World Cup: India search lost glory
![Hockey World Cup: India search lost glory]()
Reviewed by Kailash
on
November 26, 2018
Rating:
