Bhubaneswar: Indian may start as favourites when they take on against Russia in the 2020 Olympic Qualifiers at the Kalinga Stadium here November 1, but captain Manpreet Singh said Monday that they shouldn’t underestimate the 22nd ranked team in the world.
“The games are equally important for both (India and Russia) teams as only one team from here will qualify for the Olympics. Our focus will be to make full use of the training camp here and win the qualifiers,” Manpreet said after landing in the city, Monday afternoon.
India who triumphed the FIH Series Finals at home in July will face Russia November 1 and 2 and if they qualify will be making their 21st appearance in the mega showbiz next year in Tokyo. It should be stated here India had thrashed Russia 10-0 during the FIH Series Finals in July.
However, Manpreet Singh stated that the team are not complacent at all. “We should not underestimate Russia at all because they are coming here also to qualify for the Olympics. On the day we have to make sure we keep our defence strong and score whenever we get a chance,” asserted Manpreet.
Manpreet credited the recently-concluded Europe tour as the perfect preparation for the Qualifiers where they won all their five matches against Belgium and Spain.
“The Europe tour has been beneficial. It’s not only that we won all the games, but at the same time the boys got to learn so many things. Everyone gave their hundred per cent there and the boys are raring to go now at home,” stated Manpreet.
“We have around two weeks time and our main goal in these 15 days will be to stay mentally and physically strong and prepare for the big test,” concluded the Indian captain.
PNN
