Nov 21

Sundeep Misra
Wednesday, November 21, 2007

The Indian hockey team would not be complacent due to Egypt's withdrawal from its group in the Olympic qualifier in Chile and was geared up to take on any team, Chief Coach Joaquim Carvalho said on Sunday.

Egypt, another strong team like England in the group, has pulled out, citing lack of financial support'. The international hockey federation (FIH) has replaced Egypt with Mexico, the sixth ranked team from the Pan American zone, as the sixth team for the qualifying tournament to be played from March 1 to 9 in Santiago.

Reacting to Egyptian team's withdrawal, Carvalho said, "When we go hunting for deers, we are fully geared to face tigers. England is our main threat amongst the five rivals in the qualifier, but we are gearing up well to beat them." Eighth ranked India is the top seed in the Chile qualifier followed by England (9th), Austria (25th), Bangladesh and Mexico, joint 28th.

While England are training for the next month's Champions Trophy being held in Kuala Lumpur, India has planned to play a Test series against Belgium at home and visit Western Australia for training and competition before moving to Chile.

"We are in the middle of a camp (in Bangalore). We are working hard giving emphasis on specific training for specific purposes. Besides physical training, we are concentrating on match simulated situations and video sessions," Carvalho said.

He also said, "Ric (Charlesworth) has been in constant touch with me on our matches against Belgium and Western Australian teams besides helping us with inputs on England and other teams in our group. M M Somaiyya, Technical Director, will watch matches in Malaysia (Champions Trophy) and advise us on our preparations."

(Courtesy, NewIndPress)

Tags: