MARGAO
Breaking a long jinx, the Indian men's hockey team won a bronze medal to end their 41-year-old drought at the Olympics, on Thursday.
Former India coach Clarence Lobo hailed the Indian performance. “After 41 years, we have won the hockey bronze and I am on cloud nine. After they beat a strong Germany team to secure the podium finish, I am very happy as they deserved it,” Lobo said. “It was their mental strength and determination that helps to beat Germany. Chief coach Graham Reid and Robin Arkell, the strength and conditioning coach, have done wonders for the team,” Lobo added.
The former coach, who led the Indian team at the 2012 London Olympics, said that the Tokyo Games will inspire Indians to take hockey seriously.
“I am happy for the players who are part of this team in Toyko. PR Sreejesh, Rupinderpal Singh, Birender Lakra and Lalit Upadhyay had trained under me in the junior national team,” said Lobo. “Especially, goalkeeper Sreejesh was outstanding against Germany,” said Lobo, a Dronacharya Award winner in 2018.
Joaquim Carvalho, who was part of the dream Indian side that missed a medal by a whisker at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, feels the podium finish is a very important step forward for hockey in the country.
“It is important to acknowledge the performance of the boys, who served the country faithfully. I am very happy that they made us proud, ending 41 years of drought. We must never forget the hard work and sacrifices of these boys,” Carvalho said.
“This performance can inspire a new generation and I am sure it will boost hockey and the youngsters will get motivated to work hard and take hockey seriously,” said the former India coach.
Carvalho maintained that the passion for hockey in India is changing. “The national team tried their best to fulfil the expectations and grabbed the podium finish,” added the former India captain.
