On India’s prospects at Asian Games

I am hopeful, or should I say rather confident, that India will win gold this time. I will put my money on India and you must also do that (laughs). We have been playing continuously and the practice is in continuity. Besides, our arch-rival, Pakistan is on the decline at this moment and their players are not in good form. I believe the morale of our players is very high and they look very confident, agile and fit, which was not the case till recently.

Teams to beat

If my calculations are right, it should be an India versus South Korea final. But Malaysia and China are both equally dangerous.

On the team's preparation

We have been preparing well and we have played in some tournaments. This has given the team a good exposure and the boys are raring to have a go at the gold medal. In addition, the camps have been properly timed and the players have got necessary rest between the tournaments. Above all, the administration has been showing the right intention to promote the game.

Weaknesses and strengths

The major concern is a long-time problem of failure in conversion of penalty corners. The strategy should be to earn as many penalties as possible and convert the maximum of them into goals. In today's hockey, the role of the forwards has diminished and the 'D' gets crowded as soon as the ball reaches there. So, it is the midfield that has to create space and movement. The midfield is very good at this moment. Birendra Lakra in deep back has been gelling well with Roopinder Pal Singh. In fact, Lakra is a versatile player, other than goal-keeping he can do wonders at any position.

Players to watch

For me, it will be Sardar Singh, the only Indian finding a place any time in the World XI. Other than him, I would watch out for Roopinder Pal Singh, Danish Mujtaba and Raghunath Ramachandra and of course our own Birendra Lakra.

On Terry Walsh

He was one of the finest players of the game during his days. But as coach, he has not proved anything more than the semi-final finish at the Commonwealth Games and this was coming anyway. However, I must say that we should give him more time. The boys are getting into the groove under him and he should be allowed to last his full term than getting shunted unceremoniously as it has happened in the past.

On the blue turf

When you watch the game you get the impression that it is bouncy and a little slow. Besides, the great Ric Charlseworth had also expressed the same. They say it is being used as it looks good on television (chuckles). But, you see the basics of the game remain the same. They do not change with the playing surface.

Problems for hostels

I have found that the hockey hostel is creating a little problem in increasing the reach of the game. In the inter- districts, many teams or districts do not take part because they know that they will not win or get selected because of the presence of the hostel players, who play regularly and practise. This is actually hampering the interests of the game. For example, many boys in Dhenkanal are interested in hockey, but they are not ready to play against the hostel boys.