‘Match practice against top teams was essential’

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As the Indian hockey team gets set to make a concerted bid in their comeback Games following the heartbreak of missing out at Beijing four years ago, former international Ashish Ballal pointed to the lack of match practice against the top teams as a chink in the armour of the young Indian side.

“Though we have fielded one of the finest teams of all time, 80 per cent of them are fresh faces when it comes to a big event like the Games. More practice matches against the top teams would have prepared them well mentally,” said Ballal on Friday.

“The team has gelled well and they are crafting plays well with no trace of selfishness, which will come in handy for our side.”

According to Ballal, though Sandeep Singh remains Team India’s trump card, players like S.V. Sunil, Gurwinder Singh, Tushar Khandker, S.K. Uthappa will also be the key to the team’s fortunes in London.

“Post the Okympic Qualifiers, our other forwards have also found their rhythm under Australian coach Michael Nobbs. We have a good chance to finish in the top bracket after a long time,” he added.

Though the Indian team had a shaky start on the new blue turf which will be used at the Olympics, the former goalkeeper welcomed it and said the storm of debate kicked up by the change in colour and culture would die down.

“The blue turf could be challenging in the beginning with bounce and pace and it might take some days to settle. Every game needs to evolve, when you introduce something new there is sure going to be some positives and negatives attached to the changes. Some debate is good as field hockey rarely makes it to the headlines.”

The Indian team is currently on a European tour, which got pumped up following their 3-all draw with Spain in the first Test on Thursday.

They will again play Spain on Saturday and South Africa on July 8 and 9 in two friendlies. Bharat Chetri’s boys will also meet Great Britain in a 3-nation tournament from July 14 in their final run-up to the Games.