Bangalore: Newly-appointed women’s hockey team coach Harendra Singh has already set his goals and said he that he expects the Indian eves to win next year’s Asian Games and seal a direct berth to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He was talking to reporters here after the completion of the first day of the four-week training camp for 33 players.
“We have already set short-term and long-term goals for the team. While the short-term goal is to win the Asia Cup and directly qualify for the World Cup next year, my mission for 2018 is to win the Asian Games and qualify for the Tokyo Olympics,” Harendra stated. “I believe this is a realistic target,” added Harendra, who has never coached a women team before.
Harendra, known for his taskmaster approach, said discipline and result-oriented performances will be his priority areas.
“This is the first time in my career that I would be coaching a women’s side and I see this as a new challenge. Discipline and 100 per cent commitment will remain top priorities,” asserted the man who led the Indian junior squad to a World Cup triumph in December, 2016.
“I have followed this group of girls for a while now and they have a strong base, they are focused and understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses after having played together for three to four years. I would like to see them go into every tournament as tough contenders for a medal,” he added.
The Asia Cup to be played in Kakamigahara, Japan, October 28 to November 5 will be the Indian eves first big tournament under Harendra. The final 18-member squad will be selected by Hockey India’s high performance director David John and Harendra after trials, October 4 and 5.
There are six players from Orissa in the camp. They are Deep Grace Ekka, Sunita Lakra, Rashmita Minz, Namita Toppo, Lilima Minz and Anupa Barla
Press Trust of India