Bangalore, Nov 1: National team captain PR Sreejesh dedicated the Asian Championship Trophy triumph to the Indian soldiers martyred in the Uri attack and their families, and said that it’s a Diwali gift to those who lost their lives while safeguarding the country.
“Winning Asian Championship Trophy and that too by defeating Pakistan in the final is a Diwali gift to the Indian soldiers. The Indian soldiers, who are safeguarding our borders, would have definitely enjoyed this medal more than any other prize. I dedicate this win especially to those who were martyred at Uri,” Sreejesh told reporters here after arriving from Kuala Lampur.
Sreejesh, along with Nikkin Thimmaiah, arrived at the city airport around 11.45 Monday night after regaining the title which they had last won in 2011.
“It is also a Diwali gift to those kinds of martyred soldiers who lost their lives in attacks carried out by cross-border terrorists,” the Indian goalkeeper asserted.
Asked about the emotions running through the players while playing the final against Pakistan, Sreejesh said, “Yes, a lot of emotions run through the Indian players when they play against Pakistan. However, the players nowadays tend to focus more on the on-field battle than the off-field issues. It helps them increase their level of performance.
“The players did not let their emotions take them over during the match Sunday. The tournament was more about winning the title and performances, not only about beating Pakistan,” added Sreejesh.
The goalkeeper who missed the final due to an injured hammy was all praise for his replacement, Akash Chikte. “I think he (Akash) showed tremendous maturity. It is not easy for a goalkeeper to ease the nerves when you play an Indo-Pak game. But Chikte displayed a very cool temperament,” pointed out Sreejesh.
“I think that (temperament) was the best factor, among these players. It is a team with several youngsters, but they showed maturity on the field. We dominated this tournament all through.
“It was a different feeling this time. Of the seven matches, we won six and drew one. That shows how good we are at the Asian level,” added. Sreejesh.
Meanwhile, Sreejesh also informed reporters that he is unsure about being in the Indian team for the upcoming Australian tour starting November 23. “I don’t know whether I will get fit when the team selection is done for the tour,” stated Sreejesh. “If, I do so, I will certainly try and make it to the side. But I don’t want to hurry proceedings. I want to be fully fit, before I play in competitions again.”
Oltmans set to get extension till 2020
With the Indian men’s hockey team delivering some fine results under his tutelage, Roelant Oltmans’ contract as chief coach is set to be extended till the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Oltmans’, who served as high performance director before doubling up as chief coach following the sacking of Paul van Ass last year, has helped the team to the Azlan Shah Cup silver medal and most recently the Asian Champions Trophy gold. The side had also done well under him at the Rio Games by reaching the quarterfinals before losing to Belgium.
“Yes, we got a request from Hockey India (HI) asking about renewal of Oltmans’ contract till the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Looking at the team’s progress and his performances, SAI doesn’t have any problems. So, we have forwarded the file to the sports ministry. So you can say it (contract extension) is in progress,” a top SAI source told this agency Tuesday.
“He has done a great job with the team and he deserves it. Regarding his terms and conditions, there are minute changes which I won’t like to get into,” the source added.
Oltmans said he is looking forward to the extended tenure as he has been informed of an impending extension.
“Yes, I got to know that my contract has been renewed. I got to know it from HI. There are minute changes in my terms and conditions but I am yet to get an official confirmation,” informed Oltmans.
Press Trust of India