Hockey team new chief Graham Reid joins national camp in Bengaluru

Newly-appointed Indian Men's Hockey Team Chief Coach Graham Reid joined the on-going National Camp here in Sports Authority of India, Bengaluru Campus. Reid, arrived in Bengaluru on 20th April and got down to business soon after as he addressed the players and expressed to them about his expectations as a team. "I am settling into my apartment in SAI and the turf here is world class. I addressed the players when I arrived and expressed my expectations as one unit, one team and that we always need to put the team first. We also spoke about the importance of trust and communication and to make sure it is both ways," revealed the newly-appointed Chief Coach.  

Reid further expressed that the available talent in India makes him feel optimistic about the future. "I am really glad that I also got to watch the 33 players from the Junior Core Group on Saturday and being part of the National Trials this morning gives me a good sense of the talent that is available at the moment and it makes me feel very positive about the future," stated Reid, former defender and midfielder for the Australian National Team.  

Reid's first big assignment as Chief Coach will be the forthcoming FIH Men's Series Finals Bhubaneswar Odisha 2019 starting 6 June 2019 where the team will vie against 18th Asian Games Gold Medallists Japan, Mexico, Poland, Russia, South Africa, USA and Uzbekistan. The team prior to this important Olympic Qualifying event will go on an exposure tour to Perth, Australia between 6 May 2019 and 18 May 2019 where the Indian team will play a four-match series against the Australian National team as part of their preparations for the FIH Men's Series Finals Bhubaneswar Odisha 2019.

"We extend a warm welcome to Graham Reid on his arrival to India. Many players in the Senior Team are already familiar with him due to his stint as Coach during Hockey India League. The Australia Tour will be an ideal ground for him to understand further about the team and their temperament and short comings ahead of the crucial FIH Men's Series Finals Bhubaneswar Odisha 2019. We wish him the very best in his new role with the Indian Men's Hockey Team," stated Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad, President, Hockey India.