Hockey | Now is the most crucial time before the World Cup, says Harendra Singh

Hockey | Now is the most crucial time before the World Cup, says Harendra Singh

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Indian hockey coach Harendra Singh has stated that it is the most critical time for the Indian team and support staff before the World Cup as they start to work on the areas of weaknesses in the team. Recently, Indian team was declared joint winners of the Asian Champions Trophy along with Pakistan.

Indian Men’s Hockey team Asian Champions Trophy campaign ended alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, who was announced as the joint winner in the final after it was abandoned due to torrential rains. Although India once again failed to defeat the Malaysian team, their overall performance was decent as they won all the rest of their matches. It was also a good preparation tournament for the upcoming Hockey World Cup as stated by the Indian team coach Harendra Singh.

“Our campaign at the Asian Champions Trophy 2018 served as good preparation for the team before the World Cup, but now is the most critical time for us as we look to reinvigorate our spirits and work on the areas which need improvement,” Harendra  Singh said to PTI.

With Hockey India naming the final 34-member core group from which the squad of India for the World Cup will be picked, the preparation for the event is in its last leg. The 23-day camp will begin on Thursday in Odisha under coach Harendra Singh’s command. He also stated that it would be the final chance for the players to show what difference they could make in the team.

“The camp will give all the 34 core group players the chance to work hard and show what edge they can provide to the team. It is now time for all the core group players to step up and show what they can bring to the table.”

Apart from the regular faces in the core group, SV Sunil who was injured in the last camp, and is carrying a ligament injury was also included in the 34. Captain of the junior men’s team for the Sultan of Johor Cup 2018, Mandeep Mor has also been included. The World Cup will start on 28th November in a refurbished Kalinga Stadium in Odisha. 

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