The Hindu : Sport / Hockey : Boys are responding well, says Harinder

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Friday, May 06, 2005

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Boys are responding well, says Harinder

Sports Reporter

HYDERABAD: The India junior hockey team's coach, Harinder Singh, said that efforts are on to bring the seniors to Hyderabad for a five-match series with the junior squad ahead of the World junior hockey championship.

Speaking at the Gachibowli Complex on Thursday morning, Harinder said that these matches would help assess the strengths and weaknesses of players before the team begins its title defence.

"Right now the focus is on an attacking game plan. History has shown that India falters whenever it is on the defensive," the Indian Airlines coach said.

"The boys are responding well to the daily regimen. There is plenty of talent. We are expecting some of these players who have already represented the Indian senior team in Athens Olympics and Champions Trophy, to make their presence felt.

"They have to take along with them the young talent to obtain best results," he said.

Specialist positions

Harinder also said there was no plan to have any particular set of players for specialist positions. "The idea is to make them attack and fall back as required."

Assisted by Clarence Lobo and physical trainer Dr. Saju Joseph, Harinder has been making the players feel at home. "A coach should only be the guiding force and should never be a dictator. My role is that of only planning. I leave the rest to the players.

"By making them feel responsible, I hope to get better results. Emphasis is also being laid on the need to force as many penalty corners as possible. It is not just the field goals that win matches in international events," he said.

Harinder is delighted by the abundance of goalkeeping talent — headed by Olympian Adrian D'Souza.

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