With countdown to London Olympics having already started, former Indian captain and Olympian Ajit Pal Singh feels that Indian Hockey Team do not look good for a podium finish at the London.
In an interview with Indian Sports News, Ajit Pal who has been appointed as India’s Chef de Mission to London Olympics talks about his Indian Hockey team’s chances at the mega event, his expectations and more.
Excerpts:
ISN: With London Olympics nearing, do you think a medal is on the cards for Indian Hockey Team?
Ajit Pal Singh: It would be very harsh to say but then I seriously do not expect any medal from them in the Olympics. Because they are not in the bracket to win a medal this time around and they win one there is nothing like it but then I honestly expect one out of them.
ISN: What are your realistic expectations from the team?
Ajit Pal Singh: See as I said I do not expect them to win a medal but then going by the current quality of Indian side, if they finish at the top six that should be a fair enough result for them. Even I expect them to finish at the top six.
ISN: Lot of hue and cry has been raised on the blue turf that is going to be used at the London Olympics. Do you think it is actually that bad surface to play?
Ajit Pal Singh: See I do not see a reason as to why so much is being talked about the blue turf. It is not only for India and all the other nations participating in the Olympics would play on the same turf. Every team is trying their own ways to get acclimatized to the blue turf and even India is doing the same. With the test event, Azlan Shah and few other training cum tournament on the blur turf should get India ready for the Olympics.
ISN: You have been appointed as the Chef de Mission to the London Olympics. What do you have to say about it?
Ajit Pal Singh: It a matter great honor to me and I would like to thank the IOA for having faith on me. This is the first time that an athlete from India is going as a Chef de Mission and I would definitely try and live up to their expectations.
ISN: Overall looking at the Indian contingent going for the Olympics, how much do you think India’s chances are the Olympics?
Ajit Pal Singh: This is the first time that so many players from the country are going to participate at the Olympics. All the players who have qualified are looking quite determined and all I can say that chances are high that India would win more medals than last time and it should be the best Olympics for India.
