XtraTime Web Desk: Locked inside the SAI centre in Bengaluru due to the COVID-19 forced restrictions, Indian national hockey players are utilising their free time to hone their English language skills, reading books and watching their favourite movies.
The national hockey team is currently training for the Tokyo Olympics 2020 at the SAI centre in Bengaluru. But the uncertainty over the Games is giving the likes of Sreejesh, Mandeep some time to hone their reading skills.
“Our routine is as usual but we get free time on Sundays and Wednesday evening. We work on fitness and recovery. I have read Da Vinci Code, autobiography of Helen Keller. I have some more books in my wishlist,” said Sreejesh to news agency PTI.
For star forward Mandeep Singh, it is the time to improve English and he is taking it very seriously along with others.
“Wife of Chris Ciriello (team’s analytical coach) takes English classes once in a week. We are doing assignments which include reading good English books. I have started reading one book on
Olympics,” said the player from Jalandhar who recently won the HI best forward award.
The Indian women team are also training at the same centre. The women team showed their gratitude towards the health warriors in the fight against Coronavirus by clapping together. The video has already gone viral on social media.
No stepping out? No problem!
Our #IndianEves sure know how to have fun…while making the most of their time! 😎#IndiaKaGame pic.twitter.com/mAJDNLQRu9
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) March 22, 2020
“It was instinctive. We know how difficult the times are. We wanted to show the solidarity with the nation and also thank those who are on duty against this fight,” said women goalkeeper Savita.
Another player Navneet Kaur said they are following the guidelines regarding social-distancing and maintaining hygiene.
“We are maintaining distance and use hand wash and sanitisers. We sanitize the gym also before exercise,” said Navneet.