Get rid of inconsistency fast to do well on world stage: Jagbir ›

They need to eradicate it. I am not looking for a gold medal immediately, but the present set of players has the ability to grab it soon JAGBIR SINGH, Former India player

BHUBANESWAR: In last one year, Indian hockey has had several achievements but the inconsistency has been worrying for former centre-forward Jagbir Singh, who wants a quick solution to the problem.

“This (inconsistency) is the biggest problem of Indian hockey for the last many years. One day we beat the world’s top team, and the other day we lose to a lower-ranked side,” Jagbir told Hindustan Times ahead of India’s opener against Australia in the Hockey World League Final at the Kalinga Stadium, on Friday.

Jagbir, who remained the Indian team’s mainstay from 1985-95 and played two Olympic Games, felt that the problem of inconsistency wasn’t because of tactical or technical shortcomings, but “it is somewhere in the minds of the players”.

“They need to eradicate it as soon as possible. I am not looking for a gold medal immediately, but the present set of players has the ability to grab it soon, considering the factors I have mentioned earlier.”

Described as a ‘striking-circle assassin’ during his playing days, the fleet-footed Jagbir also wants the team to prepare thoroughly for specific events next year as there are plenty in 2018, such as the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Cup and Olympics qualifying.