New Delhi: Back from a successful Canada
tour, India hockey captain Sandeep Singh said the national
team was working hard for a good showing in the three major
events next year but cautioned against high expectations as it
can have adverse affect on their performance.
India will be hosting the hockey World Cup in
February-March next year, followed by the Commonwealth Games
in October. The eight-time Olympic champions will also take
part in the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China in November.
"We are performing well and working very hard to put up a
good performance in the three majors events in 2010. I
personally feel there should not be too much hype before these
events.
"I know everyone wants to see India winning on home soil,
be it in hockey or cricket. But sometimes with expectations
come pressure, which can affect our performance," Sandeep told
PTI after returning from seven-Test Canada tour which India
won 6-0.
Incidentally, chief coach Jose Brasa had earlier
expressed similar views, saying one should not expect
extraordinary result in the World Cup slated to be held here
as team is going through a learning process.
Sandeep also said that the Spanish coach's effort of
introducing India to European style of hockey is paying rich
dividends, which was quite evidently visible in the results of
the Canada tour.
"Coach sir (Brasa) is very particular about technical
aspects. We are now playing European style of hockey as all
other top teams in the world do. We have to adapt their style
to be in the big league," the ace drag-flicker said.
Asked what are the major challenges India might face in
the three sporting events next year, Sandeep said, "We are
playing CWG in October and Asiad in November. We have to give
our best in both the tournaments and peaking twice in that
small gap will hold the key. We are working hard for it."
Although Sandeep seemed contended with his performance
during the Canada tour, where he scored seven goals, he said
there is still scope for more improvement in his game.
"I performed well in Canada but I feel I could have done
better. I am working on wide shots and penalty corner
conversion rate," he said.
He also refused to comment on Brasa's new tactics of
rotating the captaincy.
"It was a new experiment by coach. I think he wanted to
judge everyone. I am not against any experiment and I think
that I am more mature as a captain now," Sandeep said.
Bureau Report