The Hindu : Sport / Hockey : Training for Champions Trophy from October 27

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Oct 14, 2004

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Training for Champions Trophy from October 27

By Our Hockey Correspondent

CHENNAI, OCT. 13. Noted strikers Gagan Ajit Singh and Deepak Thakur are expected to be part of the 25 probables for training in preparation for the forthcoming Champions Trophy at Lahore from December 4 to 12. The camp is to be held at Chandigarh from October 27.

Taking advantage of the unexpected turn of events catapulting India into the prestigious event of the FIH calendar after Olympic champion Australia withdrew citing security concerns, the Indian Hockey Federation is determined to make the best of the bargain after the disastrous show at the Athens Olympics. India finished seventh in the competition.

With the entry now confirmed for the event, the IHF has to get the players back into a competitive mood after the exhausting eight Test series with Pakistan which followed within weeks after the Olympics.

The administration is now keen to ensure that the players enjoy the best of training facilities at Chandigarh till the departure to Lahore. Contrary to speculation over the change of coach for the Champions Trophy, there are enough pointers from the IHF to suggest that Gerhard Rach will continue to handle the squad along with Jagbir Singh.

Though some questions are being raised about the understanding between Rach and Jagbir over certain aspects of coaching, sources within the IHF dismiss such differences as minor and say that these things can easily be settled. Sports psychologist Sidhu is likely to be associated with the preparation of the team at Chandigarh and may even supervise the training schedules.

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