Kolkata: Indian men’s hockey team may promise a Medal from the Rio Olympics, hockey Olympian Ashok Kumar is not so hopeful of a Medal this time. From selection of coach to captain, of team India have been criticized by the former Olympics Bronze winning team member.
There is lots of hope on the men’s hockey team this time that they will definitely win a Medal from Rio. Thinking over that the Federation of Indian Hockey has also changed the captain. Supporters may keep their hope alive on the team that won the Silver in the Champion’s Trophy few months ago.
However, former Olympian is not in the opinion with the general supporters. He found out several points which will really cause a lot in this Games.
According to Ashok Kumar, “A team willing to win in the Olympics needs to perform brilliant throughout the past five years. India has a good show in 2016. They became the runners up of Champions Trophy. However, their performance is not up to the mark. If they are in search of a Medal in Olympics they had to show all-round performance in 40 matches out of 50 matches for the past five years.”
He also referred the last defeat of team India in the practice matches. “A defeat against Spain in their country prior to the Olympic is a big jolt. They will start a little lower mentally after this defeat”, said Ashok.
The former Bronze winner does not think that selection of Sreejesh as a captain is a good decision. He thinks that in hockey a forward player can lead the team better than any defender.
“Hockey is a game where a captain needs to lead the team from the front which is easier for a forward. He will score, help others score and lead the team from the front. A goalkeeper can not control the team being at the back of the team”, added Ashok.
In support of this remark he placed the example of former Indian cricket captain M S Dhoni. As Dhoni is the wicketkeeper of the team he can see the field as a whole and lead the team. Also he thinks, “May be it is a wrong decision to set down Sardar Singh from the captaincy. He must have some more time.”
The son of former hockey legend Dhyan Chand thinks this is the time for FIH to rethink over their plans. They must bring Indian legends to coach the team. “Now the training secret on artificial turf is wide open to everybody. We don’t need to take anybodies help in this regard. So the FIH must open their eyes now. They must open the path for the Indian coaches. They do not deserve to stay under the foreign coaches any more”, stated Ashok Kumar.
However, he has another view over the women’s team. He said, “If the team advances it will be something surprising. I wish good luck to them”.