Oh my god, exclaimed former national team captain Ajit Pal Singh on hearing about India’s group at the London Olympics.
Indeed, millions of hockey fans around the country, and even the Indian team players themselves, must have reacted in the same manner as the International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced the pools for the London Olympics on Tuesday.
They would be entirely justified since India have been clubbed with defending champions Germany, strong contenders Netherlands, Asian powerhouse Korea, New Zealand, and Belgium in an extremely tough Pool B. Pool A consists of World Champions and top ranked Australia, hosts Great Britain, Spain, Pakistan and Argentina.
“Pool B is definitely the toughest one. Pool A is a bit easier, but India, I can tell you, is in a very tough pool,” Ajit Pal Singh told The Pioneer.”The players are working very hard in training, and they have improved, but let me tell you, they are definitely in a very tough pool.”
India will open their campaign against The Netherlands on July 30 followed by matches against New Zealand (August 1), Germany (August 3), Korea (August 5) and Belgium (August 7).
Based on world rankings, the 12 teams in both men’s and women’s sections are divided into two pools of six and each team plays every other in their pool. The top two teams in each pool qualify for semifinals, with the winners then going head-to-head for the gold medal. The other teams in the two groups play each other to determine final placement.
Although they have improved by leaps and bounds since Australian coach Michael Nobbs took over the reigns, the Indians are expected to struggle against the likes of Germany and Holland. The Koreans, with their lighting fast counter-attacks and seemingly inexhaustible stamina, should also prove to be a stern test, specially given the weak Indian defence. The Kiwis are the weakest lot in the pool. But Belgium, with their well organized defence are tough nuts to crack.
“We have improved a lot in terms of fitness, penalty corner conversion and attacking is much better. My only worry is the defence. That is the main problem,” Singh asserted.
The strongest point for India will be their positive attitude and fighting spirit.”Every team plays to win and we will also do the same,” Indian captain Bharat Chetri had asserted after winning the Olympic qualifiers.
Sometimes, winning and losing is a matter of attitude.
Indeed, millions of hockey fans around the country, and even the Indian team players themselves, must have reacted in the same manner as the International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced the pools for the London Olympics on Tuesday.
They would be entirely justified since India have been clubbed with defending champions Germany, strong contenders Netherlands, Asian powerhouse Korea, New Zealand, and Belgium in an extremely tough Pool B. Pool A consists of World Champions and top ranked Australia, hosts Great Britain, Spain, Pakistan and Argentina.
“Pool B is definitely the toughest one. Pool A is a bit easier, but India, I can tell you, is in a very tough pool,” Ajit Pal Singh told The Pioneer.”The players are working very hard in training, and they have improved, but let me tell you, they are definitely in a very tough pool.”
India will open their campaign against The Netherlands on July 30 followed by matches against New Zealand (August 1), Germany (August 3), Korea (August 5) and Belgium (August 7).
Based on world rankings, the 12 teams in both men’s and women’s sections are divided into two pools of six and each team plays every other in their pool. The top two teams in each pool qualify for semifinals, with the winners then going head-to-head for the gold medal. The other teams in the two groups play each other to determine final placement.
Although they have improved by leaps and bounds since Australian coach Michael Nobbs took over the reigns, the Indians are expected to struggle against the likes of Germany and Holland. The Koreans, with their lighting fast counter-attacks and seemingly inexhaustible stamina, should also prove to be a stern test, specially given the weak Indian defence. The Kiwis are the weakest lot in the pool. But Belgium, with their well organized defence are tough nuts to crack.
“We have improved a lot in terms of fitness, penalty corner conversion and attacking is much better. My only worry is the defence. That is the main problem,” Singh asserted.
The strongest point for India will be their positive attitude and fighting spirit.”Every team plays to win and we will also do the same,” Indian captain Bharat Chetri had asserted after winning the Olympic qualifiers.
Sometimes, winning and losing is a matter of attitude.
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