Hockey team hopes for podium finish

MYSORE: Indian hockey team which has found place in the London Olympics is hoping for a podium finish.
Three stars of Indian hockey team from Karnataka -- SV Sunil, V Raghunath and SK Uthappa -- on Wednesday said they are hopeful that they would bring back the glory of Indian hockey in the forthcoming Olympics, which is scheduled to begin in July 2012 in London.
At present, they are undergoing training at one of the best camps in India – Bangalore. They, however, will be playing in one of the fastest turfs in world and to which they need to acclimatize, which is essential to record win. During an interaction with Mysore District Journalists’ Association members on Wednesday, the trio shared their experiences and said they struggled hard for nearly six months to qualify for the Olympics. They promise that the team will not leave the country and fans disappointed in the big game.
“The support we have been getting after the qualifying match has boost our morale,” the players chorused. Sunil, in reply to a query, said the team’s strength lies in the forward line attack. “The team is strong and doing well in every area of the game. We are hopeful of better performance,” said the forward and right wing player.
“While after the new coach from Australia Michael Nobs took over, the game plan has completely changed from defense to attacking means,” said V Raghunath, adding that it has been the new mantra of the Indian hockey team.
“No doubt India is capable of tackling high profile teams like Australia but it’s very essential for players to stay ‘mentally fit’ during the game no matter what the situation is,” Raghunath felt.
“Ahead of the Olympics, we will try our luck in the four-nation competition in April-May. It will boost our confidence to face the big game,” Raghunath said.
SK Uthappa, midfielder, said it was his dream to play for the country and a young player like him can’t ask for anything more than representing India.