NEW DELHI : Indian hockey team skipper Sardar Singh admitted that it was the players, who suffer in the course of tussle between administrators and coaches but assured that his team’s prospects in the upcoming tournaments and 2016 Rio Olympics won’t be affected by the recent developments.
In recent times, Indian hockey has been marred by controversies with Paul van Ass becoming the fourth foreign coach to be unceremoniously sacked following differences with Hockey India (HI) supremo Narinder Batra.
Before departing for the Europe tour, Sardar admitted that the rhythm of the team is affected by such changes.
“When a coach is replaced, the players face difficulty. The team’s strategy also changes with the change in coach and it takes time in building the side. But we are positive about the Olympics and the upcoming tours,” Sardar said.
Roelant Oltmans, who replaced van Ass as the head coach agreed with Sardar’s statements and hoped that the team would come good in the European tournaments following a good 10-day training session in Shilaroo.
“We had a good training session. Players also worked hard in different areas including basic physical exercise, technical skills, defending and attacking part of hockey,” said Oltmans.
“Yes there are ups and downs but we are improving those areas. We are focusing on the attitude of how to win the games, how to create goal scoring opportunity, as only playing is not important,” added he.
Asked about his priorities, Oltmans said, as of now it is the Rio Olympics and maintained that he was focusing on improving the side’s weak areas.
“Our defending, attacking, penalty corners and much important is the coordination among players. It needs improvement but our players are physically and mentally fit so they can improve,” said he. (AGENCIES)
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