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Sport - Olympic Games

Coaches predict tough contest

Sports Reporter

CHENNAI: Joaquim Carvalho and Adam Commens, coaches who have turned the corner for India and Belgium respectively, believe the five-Test hockey series between the two countries beginning on Friday, will be intense and tough.

At a press conference here on Wednesday, Carvalho said the series “gives me and my coaching staff an opportunity to assess each player’s strengths ahead of the crucial Olympic qualifier in Chile. The five matches will help us further strengthen our game and planning for the future. I assure you that it will be closely fought.”

Carvalho assured that performing youngsters (not in the list of 24) will also be considered for the qualifiers. He did not agree that striker Prabhjot Singh’s finger injury from the series will hurt the team’s chances. “I don’t depend on individuals. There are a lot of players who can replace Prabhjot,” said the chief coach.

Commens said the series will give a good indicator of the team’s preparations for the Beijing Olympics. “We are looking forward to it,” he said. The 31-year-old former Australian mid-fielder said the hot conditions prevailing in Chennai will be quite similar to the one they will encounter in Beijing. The Belgium chief coach said the core group which finished third in the European championship in Manchester has not been disturbed. Commens described 17-year-old Felix Denayer as an exciting prospect. He mentioned this will be the only international tournament Belgium will be competing before the Olympics.

“This series is very important and we are looking forward to get a result.”

K. Jothikumaran, General Secretary, Indian Hockey Federation, said barring the first Test, the rest will be covered live by Doordarshan. “All the matches will begin at 6.30 p.m.,” he said. Ric Charlesworth, Technical Advisor, Indian hockey and V. Baskaran, former India coach and a member of the Organising Committee, also spoke.

Test matches schedule: January 25, 27, 28, 30 and 31.

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