‘ We can beat any top team’
Ace mid- fielder Manpreet Singh asserted that the Indian hockey team were capable of beating any side in the world and promised to deliver at least a medal, if not gold, at the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
The 25- year- old said the CWG hockey competition was of high standard with several top teams and his side would have to play their best to win a medal.
He said the team had improved vastly since taking silver at the Glasgow edition.
“We cannot underestimate any team in the CWG. There are Australia, Great Britain, Pakistan, South Africa and others. Last time, we lost to Australia in the final.
“In the four years since Glasgow, we have improved a lot. We have beaten all the top sides in the world, we can beat any team on a given day. We will definitely win a medal,” said Manpreet, refusing to talk about the colour of the medal.
Australia have won every gold medal in men’s hockey since its introduction in the 1998 edition in Kuala Lumpur.
Manpreet was one of two players rested for the March 3 to 10 Sultan Azlan Shah tournament in view of the April 4 to 15 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.
“I want to play in every match and tournament, every player wants it. But finally it is the decision of the coach and he gave me rest for Sultan Azlan Shah. I am happy with that. It may turn out to be good for me.”
He termed 2018 as an important year and said a good show in the CWG would boost the confidence of the team going ahead.
Defender Rupinder Pal Singh though said India had the best chance to win a gold this time.
“On the given day, we can beat any team, including Australia. We want to win gold. I think we have the best chance to beat Australia and win the gold this time,” he said.
“We are playing attacking hockey now, it has become one of our strengths. We are also working on defensive aspects, things like man- to- man marking. We were giving away easy chances in the inner circle and we are trying to improve on those aspects,” said the defender from Punjab.
“We were not mentally strong when I started playing, but over the years we have become stronger.”
He said Sardar Singh’s return as captain in the Azlan Shah Cup next month would motivate the side.
“As senior players, it’s our responsibility to encourage youngsters. Sardar’s presence will help the team who have a lot of inexperienced young players. He is a great player and it will help the side to go for the title at the Azlan Shah Cup.”