Sachin’s presence could have boosted the morale of Indian athletes in London Olympics: Nobbs

Hockey coach Michael Nobbs feels that Sachin Tendulkar's presence with the Indian contingent at the London Olympics could have boosted the morale of the athletes just like Steve Waugh's involvement has lifted the spirits of the Australian contingent, says a report in The Times Of India.

"It would have been good if Sachin Tendulkar had come to motivate the players. The hockey team as well as all other Indian athletes would have benefitted," Nobbs stated.

The champion batsman is not part of the contingent but the presence of former Australian captain Waugh with his country's contingent has prompted the Indians to wish that the iconic batsman was also around. Waugh is accompanying the Australian archery team to prepare them for the mental challenges of participating in the Olympics.

Meanwhile a report in Mail Today says that doubts were raised over the fitness of two key players - Sardar Singh and Ignace Tirkey. “However, watching them stretch, train and play a short game, they looked quite comfortable on the blue turf. To someone watching the new turf for the first time, the colour is a bit jarring on the eye. But most changes in the field of play these days are being done with television in mind. Even though the fluorescent green ball travelled quite fast, the dark pink border around the turf again hit the naked eye,” say the report.

Coach Michael Nobbs was quite relaxed after practice when he spoke to Mail Today. "You have seen the entire team at practice and train, so it's clear there are no fitness issues," said Nobbs.

In his view, the best 12 teams on planet are playing the men's hockey competition at the Olympics. "It doesn't matter whether you are back in the Olympic fold after eight years. What matters is the top teams are here and have done so after proper qualification. And India is one of them," said Nobbs.