Beginning of new era in hockey: Sardar
8 Dec 2012 8:50 AM IST
National team captain Sardar Singh says the recent success in the Champions trophy is the beginning of a new era in Indian hockey, after the reverses of the recent past.
‘This will enable us to forget the disappointments of recent past. It is certainly the beginning of a new era in Indian Hockey. Champions Trophy is the biggest tournament after Olympics and World Cup and this success has given us new confidence,’ Sardar said.
After defeating Belgium in the quarterfinal, India are now in the hunt for their first medal since the lone Champions Trophy bronze in 1982. This will also be India’s best finish since 2004 when they lost the bronze medal-match to end fourth.
Sardar has another reason to celebrate as he has been nominated for the FIH player of the year award for the first time in his career. FIH will announce the winner in Melbourne. Jamie Dwyer (Aus), Moritz Furste (Ger), Tobias Hauke (Ger), Robert van der Horst (Ned) are also in the fray.
He said that the team is playing well as a unit. ‘Team is playing well as a unit. Commitment of players is commendable as they are trying to do their best despite injuries. The young brigade is also doing well. We can make a decent pool for the future, including these youngsters and the seniors who have been dropped post Olympic.’
ASIAN C’TROPHY: HI NAME SAME SQUAD
Senior players continue to miss the bus as defending champions India on Friday named an unchanged 18-member squad under Sardar Singh for the second Asian Champions Trophy to be held at Doha from December 20-27.
The Indian team who topped Pool A in the Chjampions trophy face mighty Australians in the semifinals on Saturday.
‘This will enable us to forget the disappointments of recent past. It is certainly the beginning of a new era in Indian Hockey. Champions Trophy is the biggest tournament after Olympics and World Cup and this success has given us new confidence,’ Sardar said.
After defeating Belgium in the quarterfinal, India are now in the hunt for their first medal since the lone Champions Trophy bronze in 1982. This will also be India’s best finish since 2004 when they lost the bronze medal-match to end fourth.
Sardar has another reason to celebrate as he has been nominated for the FIH player of the year award for the first time in his career. FIH will announce the winner in Melbourne. Jamie Dwyer (Aus), Moritz Furste (Ger), Tobias Hauke (Ger), Robert van der Horst (Ned) are also in the fray.
He said that the team is playing well as a unit. ‘Team is playing well as a unit. Commitment of players is commendable as they are trying to do their best despite injuries. The young brigade is also doing well. We can make a decent pool for the future, including these youngsters and the seniors who have been dropped post Olympic.’
ASIAN C’TROPHY: HI NAME SAME SQUAD
Senior players continue to miss the bus as defending champions India on Friday named an unchanged 18-member squad under Sardar Singh for the second Asian Champions Trophy to be held at Doha from December 20-27.
The Indian team who topped Pool A in the Chjampions trophy face mighty Australians in the semifinals on Saturday.
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