India look to end losing streak vs Aussies: Manpreet

NEW DELHI: The Indian men’s hockey team chasing a return to the top of a game it once dominated have a big gap in their achievements – they have not beaten Australia in Olympics and World Cup for many years.

As they set out for the Commonwealth Games 2018 starting on April 4, a first win over the hosts would reflect a major surge in the bid to regain their place among the game’s elite.

India skipper Manpreet Singh though is confident the team can script a new chapter in Gold Coast. Hockey starts on April 5.

Men’s hockey was added to CWG in 1998, and Australia have dominated since then. India, fourth in Kuala Lumpur, did not take part in the 2002 Manchester Games. They were fifth in 2006 at Melbourne, but won silver in 2010 at New Delhi, losing to Australia. India finished second at Glasgow in 2014.

However, Manpreet feels Australia are not invincible. “In the recent past, we have played out a draw in international competitions. It has given us the belief we can do better. It will be good if we achieve that goal in Australia.”

India and Australia are in different pools in the 10-team competition and can meet only in the knockout stages.

Manpreet is upbeat over the build-up. There are changes in training drills, which have changed the focus of players. They are fitter and staying focused till the final seconds has helped avoid late goals. “All these factors are helping us,” he said.

In the 2000 Sydney Olympics, India came close to upsetting Australia in the preliminary round, but settled for a 2-all draw, eventually finishing seventh. At Athens in 2004, India lost to Australia 3-4 in the group stages.

Manpreet says the focus has been on positive thinking.

“The players have been asked to stay focused and think on winning lines throughout the game.”

Players have been told not to argue with umpires as it would be a waste of energy and distract from the main task of winning.

Players have been asked to stay focused and think on winning lines throughout the game. MANPREET SINGH, India men’s captain