JOIN USThis December, Indian hockey will get a fair idea of where it is headed as the country stages the Junior World Cup in Lucknow. A lot of work has been put in over the last three years to ensure the colts are well prepared to take on the best in the world.
The team, along with coach Harendra Singh and High Performance Director Roelant Oltmans, left for Australia on Thursday to compete in the Australian Hockey League (Sept 29-Oct 9) -- a major preparatory exercise where teams from Malaysia and New Zealand will also be competing.
Harendra felt competing in AHL is the best way to prepare for the World Cup. “Everyone knows the quality of the Australian league and how important it is for them. So definitely they will come very hard (at us). The chance to play Malaysia and New Zealand is an icing on the cake. Here (in India), you play one style of hockey and suddenly we will be playing at a higher level.
“This will be the best way to start our preparations keeping the World Cup in mind. I’m expecting the world’s best teams will be in our pool and also it’s a 16-team event. Roelant (Oltmans) will be accompanying this team. We can watch and analyse every player together. According to me, these players are on the right track.”
With the World Cup happening at home a lot will be expected from the team and Harendra exuded confidence. “The end result is not in our hands. I can ensure you that this team is capable of beating anyone. Our first target is the quarterfinals. We spent the last two and half years on preparing for big matches. The boys know how to plan and work on it.
“I just didn’t merely work on tactics and skills side, I worked a lot on the mental aspect. At any tournament, at the end of the day your decision-making skills and the mental toughness will play a key role. We have seen it at the Rio Olympics and that is the best example – Sakshi (Malik) looked down and out but she fought back to win the bronze. If every individual makes the right decisions, it will help the team. I have prepared three teams for world cups but this team is mentally strong compared to the others.”
Harendra opined that post the World Cup he sees a healthy number of juniors graduating to the senior side. “If you look at the junior squad, Indian hockey is in the right direction. After the World Cup, there will be a very healthy competition. The juniors will be trying to play for the senior team and the seniors up there will have to pull up their socks to perform as someone is pushing them. It’s a very good sign and healthy competition is always good. Coaches and the selectors will have a tough time picking the squad.”