Bhubaneswar, Nov 28: India may not be with their ‘preferred’ coach Terry Walsh, who resigned over a dispute with Hockey India November, but Friday they put their best foot forward when they took to the ground here at the Kalinga Stadium to train for the Champions Trophy hockey tournament starting December 6.
Under the watchful eyes of coach and high performance director Roelant Oltmans, Indian men’s hockey team had a gruelling two hour training session here.
Forced into dual responsibility, Oltmans was seen grilling India players under the sun with full enthusiasm. He was earlier this month reported as saying that the Indian team will suffer in the absence of Terry Walsh, who resigned over dispute with Hockey India (HI).
Indian team, which landed here Thursday amid applause from fans gathered at the Biju Patnaik International Airport, started its training slowly at around 10 am which increased in intensity towards the end of the session.
Captain Sardar Singh appeared one of the most energetic players of the lot, while goal keeper PR Sreejesh boosted the team spirit with his occasional boisterous self.
The team will continue its practice on the same time Saturday. Meanwhile, the arrival of the Netherlands Friday is set to spike the competitive spirit here at the Kalinga Stadium.
