New Delhi: India’s hockey coach Michael Nobbs thinks that though one can hope India to perform well in the Olympics, thinking of a podium finish will be a bit unrealistic as no team except Australia at the present moment can boost of a line-up which can assure them of a sure shot medal. “See we have been performing well off late and to expect a medal would be realistic but thinking that we have a sure shot chance finishing at the podium would unrealistic at the same time. No team for that matter has that as of now. So all I would say is that we would go there and try to perform to our best capabilities for the country,” said the Australian who took over as India’s coach last year.
Nobbs however begs to differ that he has instilled an Australian style of play into the team, saying that it’s the Australians who play the Indian style of hockey. “First of all it is Indian style of play which Australia plays. Though this kind of a style is more physically demanding as it’s an attacking hockey, Indians have improved in their fitness and endurance. They are physically capable of doing so and their fitness and physical endurance has increased a lot. We have been practicing the style for a long time and it would not be a problem,” said Nobbs, adding that though India’s defence had been a weak link, they have improved a lot.
“Oh trust me we have been working on it for long. It has improved and it will improve further, but then we would have to be patient. Things do not change overnight.”
According to Nobbs anything better than a 10th spot finish (the current Indian ranking) should be considered to be a good result. “We are currently ranked 10th in the World rankings and anything better than that at the Olympics would be a good result for us. Olympics is a huge tournament and 12 best teams of the planet would be playing there, so expecting a medal even before going there would be a foolish thing to do,” said Nobbs, adding that the Test events and Azlan Shah tournament have helped the team a lot.
“They have helped immensely. Our preparations would not have been so good had we not taken part in these events. It did help a lot in preparing ourselves before the Olympics. We are in a tough group and it would see a lot of upsets. The way we played in Azlan Shah, if we can maintain it and luck stays on our side, we can move to the next round. None of the team barring Australia in the whole tournament can be said as the best side. Australia are the best side of the World and a strong contender,” said Nobbs.
By Indian Sports News Network
