Bhubaneswar: Indian men’s hockey team chief coach Sjoerd Marijne is banking on home support as the hosts continued with their preparations for the Hockey World League Finals (HWLF) starting here, December 1.
“What the players told me, it is fantastic. The fans have knowledge about the game and will come in numbers. The stadium will be packed all the time. It definitely will be a huge motivation for us,” Marijne told reporters at the Kalinga Stadium after a training session, Friday.
On the day, Marijne had the players working on their flank movements. It was evident that he wanted to have all attacking options ready when India face Australia.
The players took part in a half-an-hour match and then went through a brief stretching session under the watchful eyes of physio David MacDonald. “Fitness is our first priority. It is important to keep players fresh both physically and mentally,” Marijne asserted.
Marijne also informed that with two good goalkeepers in Akash Chikte and Suraj Karkera, the experience of senior pro PR Sreejesh won’t be missed much. “They did well in Asia Cup so I don’t think Sreejesh’s absence will be felt,” said Marijne.
The coach also stated that the return of Birendra Lakra and Rupinder Pal Singh gives the team ‘extra options’.
Meanwhile comeback man Rupinder informed that he had been going through motivational classes for a month in Delhi and Bangalore before coming to this tournament. “It helps in being mentally strong both on and off the field,” stated Rupinder.
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