Bhubaneswar: The Indian hockey team went through a gruelling session of training, their first here, after their arrival Wednesday. Coach Sjoerd Marijne informed that other than the regular training sessions, the hosts would play two warm-up games against Rio Olympic gold medallist Argentina (November 27) and England (November 28) prior to the Hockey World League Final (HWLF) game against Australia, December 1 .
The Indian players were seen trying the short passing game during the two-hour session. Marjine was also seen instructing a couple of players on the way to pass the ball during short corners. Forwards were asked to dribble past two defenders to sharpen their stick skills.
Dipsan Tirkey, who is a key component in this Indian team stated after the session that the players were more concerned about the correct implementation of strategy rather than thinking too much about the rivals.
“We are concerned about how to utilise our strengths,” Dipsan said. “We can always achieve good results, if we implement our strategies properly. Thinking too much about the opponents doesn’t work. Every team have their own playing style… likewise, we should have our own,” different style of play and strategies. So we should have our own,” added Dipsan.
Dipsan also asserted that the absence of Sardar Singh won’t affect the side. “Frankly speaking no,” said Dipsan. “We still have a number of seniors, who are there to guide us.”
Dipsan’s teammate forward Mandeep Singh informed that the team are focusing on every aspect of the game. “Modern hockey is evolving every day and we have keep abreast with it. Speed is an integral part of present-day hockey… you have to be fast or bow out,” Mandeep pointed out.
Mandeep said that the forward line should score goals on a regular basis to decrease the pressure on drag-flickers Rupinder Pal Singh and Harmanpreet . “Field goals are very important and we are trying to sharpen our skills. If the forwards can score field goals on a consistent basis, it will definitely be a boon to the side,” said the player, who was the captain of the Indian team that won the Junior Hockey World Cup in Lucknow last year.
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