New Delhi: What happened four years ago is still burning afresh in the memories of Indian hockey lovers. The shenanigans of past come to haunt the team again and again! The shame of not qualifying for the Olympics which India ruled for decades will be hard to erase and anything to delve into the past of Indian hockey will always be an emotional strain. But then living in the past will be a folly and the Indian team under Michael Nobbs is fully aware of that. They are in no mood to let the past dictate terms over their present psyche. They know it’s time again when all eyes are on the Indian hockey team who start their campaign towards booking a berth to London Olympics through the Olympic Qualifier that begins at Major Dhyanchand Hockey Stadium from Saturday.

The team is ready to start afresh when they hit the turf tomorrow to qualify for the London Olympics in their own backyard. The Indian hockey coach is optimistic about India’s chances at the qualifiers and has shown full trust in his boys and feels that they would not disappoint the nation. “Indian hockey has a great history and is a team which has performed well in the international area in the past. There might be many reasons as to why Indian hockey faced a slump, but we should not talk about it and would like to leave them behind. Right now it is very important to instill the same fervor in Indian team that it once boasted of in the past,” Nobbs had said a few days ago.

Indian Hockey Team, which had won eight Olympic gold medals, was at an all time low when it failed to qualify in 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“I am sure that India would qualify for the Olympics and we are giving chance to the young talent to show their skills which would prove beneficial both for the youngsters and the team. Indian team has played many matches, and has lot of experience to its credit. And going by the standards of the present squad, it has the potential of making it to London,” added Nobbs.

Nobbs, who comes from Australia, wants India to adopt Australian style of play which is more attacking and would benefit the Indian Team. “There is massive change in present team and we are emphasizing more on attacking part of the match and speed rather than defensive style. I have imparted few Australian techniques in Indian hockey and players will implement both Indian style and Australian style on field and it might scare the opponents. India is the best team in the pool and have a huge advantage. India will bring back the same passion and will make their nation proud,” Nobbs had said.

India’s mettle in international hockey is something which cannot be undermined by any nation, but what had been a matter of concern for the Men In Blue is their fitness. It is a very well known fact that India as compared to their European counterparts lack in that department but India’s exercise physiologist David John feels that the players are putting extra efforts of their fitness and has become fitter than ever.

“As far as fitness level is concern, they are doing great as compared to the fitness. I have worked very hard for last three weeks to make the player mentally and physically fit. Their speed and pace has increased and they have taken to an attacking game which shows that their fitness level has increased. Both speed and stamina is required to cope with team like Australia, England, South Africa and many more and I am sure that it they are be in their best shape before they enter the qualifiers,” said John, adding that the present squad is really showing good response in term of fitness.

Even the players who are sweating it out day and night in the camp feel that Indian hockey is on the path to resurrection.  “It was tough for us not to qualify for the Beijing Olympics but it is time for us to look forward. We are sure of making it to the Olympics and are really working hard for it,” said most of the players.

Commenting on their new style of play, Sandeep Singh said,“ We are playing much faster hockey and attacking hockey as compared to what we have portrayed in the past. We are really looking forward to the qualifiers to showcase some good performance. It is going to be tough qualifiers but we are ready to compete with anybody.”

Sandeep’s view was echoed by goalkeeper captain Bharat Chetri who said, “We are playing attacking hockey and one advantage of attacking hockey is that it will help us in score more goals.” Speaking about the team’s fitness, Chetri said the team much better other teams as far as fitness was concerned.

Michael Nobbs expressed his confidence in his team, which he terms to be a combination of youth and experience.  Meanwhile, Sandeep Singh said that everyone knew about their responsibilities in the team and were also aware of the importance to chip in at crucial moment. Sandeep Singh also mentioned the influence of Dilip Tirkey in the team which has helped in strengthening their defence.