Modest target for Chanu in first foray into Olympics
PRAGMATIC New captain says a top-eight finish would be good, the physicality of European teams is a challenge
goals. “We need to be alert till the last minute. No let-ups, no easy chances. Haar nai maanni hai (can’t concede defeat).”
“Also, we tend to concede early goals which makes us play catchup. My plan is to hold the opponent for first 10 minutes and get into a nice rhythm. If the opposition doesn’t score in the first 10 minutes, they will start getting nervous and we can mount an attack.”
Another critique of the team is its lack of physical strength vis-a-vis the Australian and European girls. This makes the team vulnerable to body blows and eventual loss of possession.
“Countries like Germany and Great Britain are quite physical. They indulge in body fight, which means they can take away balls from us and go on the offensive. To counter this, Neil (Hawgood, chief coach) has introduced a stringent gym regime. The focus is on building muscles to counter body fights.”
“The coach has also asked us to tighten our defence. We will use our elbows to keep the opponents away. The earlier coach (Mathias Ahrens) focused on developing our skills while Neil stresses more on running, gym and physical strength. He wants us to play attacking, Australianstyle hockey, and I think it will help us grow even after the Olympics.”
Though athletes from the Northeast bring laurels to India, they are unhappy with the mindset of people towards those from the region.
Chanu, who hails from Manipur, said: “I hope it does (change people’s attitude). I hope they see that someone from the Northeast is wearing Indian colours. A lot of people can’t tell Manipur on India’s map. To them, I want to say, ‘Please get a map and read it thoroughly.’”
India start their campaign on August 7 against Japan before taking on Great Britain (Aug 8), Australia (Aug 10), US (Aug 11) and Argentina (Aug 13).
LATE REPLACEMENT Chanu was appointed skipper after the controversial axing of Ritu Rani, the long-term captain who had played an important role in the team qualifying for Rio.
India played in the 1980 Moscow Olympics, but this is the first time that the women have qualified.
Ritu Rani was dropped reportedly due to indifferent form and attitude problem. Coach Neil Hawgood was reportedly unhappy that she left the camp to get engaged. Rani got engaged to Patiala-based Punjabi singer Harsh Sharma on June 12.
“I gave it my all to earn the Olympic quota for the team. Being left out at this stage is heartbreaking,” Ritu had told HT after being dropped.
“They are citing my engagement as a reason for my loss in focus. I have repeatedly said that I am fully focused on the Olympics. Don’t athletes have a personal life? It’s not as if getting engaged will suddenly change my focus,” she had said.
Countries such as Germany and Britain are quite physical. They indulge in body fight, which means they can take away balls from us and go on the offensive To counter this, Neil (Hawgood, chief coach) has introduced a stringent gym regime. The focus is on building muscles to counter body fights