‘Enough of losses, it is time to deliver’
After a series of mixed results in recent times, which also included a bronze-medal finish at the Asian Games in Jakarta, India hockey team vice-captain Chinglensana Singh issued a veiled warning to the team, saying “It’s now time for the team to deliver”.
“The past three months in particular have been very challenging for us with the training intensifying as it’s important for us to peak at the World Cup in Bhubaneswar. The team is aware that this year could have been much better in terms of results but now is the time to do away with the bitterness of the past performances by doing well at the prestigious event in Bhubaneswar,” said Chinglensana, without mincing words.
Pointing out that the team still lacked mental toughness, the midfielder said, “We need to be tough mentally in every match. It is time for the team to convert the hard work, sweat and blood that’s gone into preparing for the World Cup into desired results.”
With key midfielder Sardar Singh having called it a day, there would be added pressure on Chinglensana to keep the supply
NEWDELHI:
line open upfront but with a week to go for the big event, the vicecaptain exuded confidence. “Every single player has worked hard and it is now time to convert all that into good results. I believe the World Cup in Bhubaneswar will be a battle of mental strength as much as it is going to be about fitness and team strategies. It is an advantage that almost everyone in the team has the experience of playing top-quality matches in the Kalinga Stadium (in Bhubaneswar) during the Hockey India League and is aware of the atmosphere the fans create there.
“It’s also a plus point to have the Junior World Cup winners who have experienced 20,000 people cheering for them during the 2016 Junior World Cup in Lucknow,” said the Manipur-born player.
Chinglensana, who is one short of his 200th international cap for India, will reach the milestone on the opening day of India’s campaign against South Africa on November 28 in Pool C. “If everything goes right, I will be playing my milestone match in front of our home crowd and there is no better feeling than that. It is one of my favourite venues in the world. I am looking forward to it and we are all eager to make a positive start,” he said.