MARGAO
Hockey's stock has risen after the Indian men's team ended a 41-year medal drought with a bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The performance has injected new energy into the younger generation of players in the country and earned accolades from the past masters of the game.
“It's time to celebrate the bronze medal thanks to the Indian hockey team. It's a gift for the entire nation we all were waiting for so long,” said former India coach Clarence Lobo, who coached Indian men at the 2012 London Olympics.
“With this medal, the scenario of hockey will change in India as the youngsters will take up hockey. We have to capitalise on this (performance) and market the game so that there are more jobs and more hockey fields for the next generation,” added Lobo.
Talking about individual performers, Lobo singled out goalkeeper P R Sreejesh for special praise. “The most outstanding performance was from Sreejesh, who was so calm under pressure. Amit Tohidas, the suicide first runner for penalty corners, did well and captain Manpreet Singh led from the front, motivating the team,” Lobo said.
“Simranjit Singh is the unsung hero, who scored at the right time, while Rupinder Pal Singh stood like a rock. This team is young and has the age on their side. They have the capabilities to win the next World Cup which will be held in India. It will be a treat to watch them play in India,” the Dronacharya awardee said.
Lobo also praised chief coach Graham Reid for transforming the team as a unit. “Reid has worked really hard for the team. His mantra this time was to convert the sacrifices into results,” Lobo concluded.
