The Hindu : Sport / Hockey : I will not rest on my laurels: Carvalho

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Monday, Sep 10, 2007
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I will not rest on my laurels: Carvalho

Sports Reporter

CHENNAI: “I assure you I will not rest on my laurels. My goal is now to guide India in qualifying for the 2008 Olympics,” said India’s coach Joaquim Carvalho after India’s 7-2 victory over South Korea in the final of the Asia Cup hockey championship on Sunday.

Talking about the final, the coach said, “we played a much better tactical game. The players are playing to a system, adapting to situations and maintaining good physical fitness.”

Cautious

Carvalho said that he was not sure of a victory even when India led 5-1, having been in a situation before.

“I knew Koreans could come back. Till the end, I saw to it that the boys didn’t relax.”

Immediately after resumption, Korea had staged a walk-out arguing that striker Hong Sung Kweon had indeed hit the goal from inside the circle.

“Korea’s walk-out only helped us. It did upset its rhythm,” said Carvalho.

Which group?

When asked in which pool would India be placed in the Olympic qualifier, the former Olympian said “whichever group we are in, we have to win the tournament."

Carvalho praised goalkeeper Baljit Singh for his wonderful performance throughout.

“He’s a steady and not a flashy goalkeeper. Like most European goalkeepers, he does not fall on the ground”.

Praise for Prabhjot

Carvalho also heaped praise on Prabhjot Singh.

“After Zafar Iqbal and Thoiba Singh, we didn’t have any specialist left-in. It’s a difficult position and I think Prabhjot has silenced a lot of critics with his superb display.”

Great day

Gurbux Singh, a selector and chairman, Umpiring Committee, IHF, said it was a great day for Indian hockey.

“We are on the right track. It (the win) is a great fillip for the Olympic qualifiers. I have not seen such a performance by the Indian team for a decade. This should be a revival of Indian hockey”.

Superb display

P. Alagendra, Secretary, Asian Hockey Federation, said “they played superb hockey. This Indian team reminded me of the 1956 Indian Olympic team.”

K.P.S. Gill, President, Indian Hockey Federation, described India’s win as ‘excellent’ but added that the real test would be the Olympic qualifiers.

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