MARGAO
With four days to go for Goa's first hockey match against Jharkhand in the 37th National Games, hockey head coach Varghese John boasts a sense of confidence that the journey has just begun for some of the bright talents in the National sport.
"We all know it's very difficult , but there's hope and we need to believe in it," said Varghese whose team begin their campaign at Peddem Sports Complex.
"We have built a unit with majority of the players being very young. We have held a lot of camps and more preparation time. However, we have not played any competitive matches against higher oppositions," Varghese said while speaking to the to The Goan Everyday.
Goa are placed in Group B alongside Maharashtra, Jharkhand Punjab and Karnataka.
"None of the players have played at the National level. Thanks to the increased support from the Government, the teams especially the women has made tremendous progress in the last two years. We made plans -- both short and long-term -- for which we have received the best possible backing in every way," he said.
"The National Games is an exciting challenge and provides a good opportunity for all these players. There is a process now in place in the state hockey team whenever the opportunity arrives," Varghese said
"I have been talking to these players about the National Games. We see this as a stepping stone. If they can make it to the Indian junior team in couple of years it will be great," The Karnataka coach added.
"I have learnt a lot as a coach. These boys are from a different generations and their thinking is different. They have to adapt well. It's a huge challenge. The game has changed a lot. I can't say who can go on and make it or who cannot. All of them have the potential to play for their State and India in the future," Varghese concluded.
