Though it wasn’t the kind of finish India would have wanted in the Azlan Shah Hockey, nevertheless, the podium finish in tournament seems to have pleased Michael Nobbs. However the India hockey coach is facing a selection nightmare for the squad for London Olympics, says newspaper reports.
“The selections trials for the Olympics will be held at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune on June 6 and 7. While the core of the team will remain the same, the places of goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, defender Rupinderpal Singh, midfielder Dharamveer Singh and striker Yuvraj Walmiki are under scanner.
The coach and selectors are likely to discuss two major issues. Firstly, whether to go with one goalkeeper or two? The general consensus is, because the Olympic squad can be made up of 16 players instead of the 18 allowed at other international events, an extra field player will prove to be handy,” says the newspaper reports.
Both, Bharat Chetri and PR Sreejesh have shown good form over the last one year. Nobbs said it’s a “big decision” they will have to take. “Both Chetri and Sreejesh have performed well. But at the Olympics, if we have two goalkeepers we will be left with only 14 outfield players. This issue will be discussed during the trials,” Nobbs told DNA.
Meanwhile according to a Times of India report if consistency is the key, then shooter Ronjan Sodhi is one of India’s best bets for a medal at the London Games. But ask the soft-spoken gentleman and he says it’s better to start as an underdog than going as a favourite and losing the challenge. “I would love to call myself an underdog. It’s better to start a tournament that way,” Sodhi told TOI on Sunday night, just before leaving for Italy for the final leg of is preparation.
Considered one of the finest performers on the big stage, Sodhi feels this time the shooters are well prepared for the Games. “The good thing is that this time all of us earned the quota well in advance, and it has helped us to fully concentrate on our practice sessions,” Sodhi said. “Last time, the shooters had qualified only three months before the Beijing Olympics, and there wasn’t much time for practice. This time we have also got a huge backing from the government,” he added.
The ace shooter admitted that his target is to maintain his current score (145)in the qualifiers. “That’s my prime target at the moment. If I can reach the 145 score line, a medal is assured. It would be a big challenge for me to put up a fine show in the qualifying round and then go for the kill in the finals,” said an optimistic Sodhi who has always put up a brave show in a crisis situation.
