Rourkela, July 26: The nation’s expectations from its sportspersons are high as the Olympic Games begin in London on Friday, especially the performance of the men’s field hockey team. But one of the older heroes of the game, Michael Kindo, however, is not very optimistic about the fate of the team.

Kindo, a member of the 1975 World Cup winning Indian hockey team that defeated arch rival Pakistan by 2-1, is an authority on the game. Known as the iron wall of Indian defence then, along with Aslam Sher Khan, the veteran’s voice appeared choked as he expressed his pessimism over the telephone to The Telegraph.

“I do not expect much from the team. Even though its preparation has been rigorous, we are miles from winning the gold,” said Kindo, who was also part of the 1972 Munich Olympics bronze winning team.

In his opinion the preparations should have started much earlier. However, the encouraging aspect for him was the team bagging the ticket to London.

“I was very happy the day we qualified for the Olympics, but from there on the real test began. This is a very tough group since along with Germany and Holland we have New Zealand and, of course, South Korea. In Azlan Shah we lost to New Zealand, though we had good outings against the Koreans. But this is a big platform and every team will give its best,” said Kindo.

“It is essential that we qualify from this group, which looks very tough on paper and on field also.” He blamed the tussle between the hockey federation and Hockey India, saying they were doing a disservice to the game and must realise this.

“The only silver lining on a dark cloud is that we have been holding very well in recent outings and the goal margins are thin, which on a given day might turn out in our favour. Take the example of the recent three-nation tournament in Europe as a preparation, where we failed at the last moment but held out against the powerful Spain. This gives me confidence. India can turn the tables with a little luck,” he said.

Kindo explained the modern trends in hockey. “The roles of the forward have diminished as the goal line gets crowded with little space for the strikers. It is the mid-fielders who have the key and, finally, it is the conversion of the penalty corners.

“And here Sandeep Singh has his role very clearly defined: convert the penalty corners. His form gives me a bit of hope. Even Sardara Singh’s form is encouraging. We have a good backline now. With Ignace back in the team, it has been strengthened and Birendra Lakra can play at both the midfield and defending positions.”

Kindo’s advice to the team is to go on the offensive. “Offence is the best defence, so earn as many penalty corners possible and convert most of them and at the same time do not let the opposition enter your D or earn the same against you.”

On Michael Nobbs, the coach of the team for the last two years, Kindo said: “I don’t expect him to achieve any wonders; it would be too much to ask. But he is doing a good job as coach which is visible in the team’s recent performances.”

Commenting on the blue turf controversy, he said: “I do not have much idea about the turf since the artificial one was a rarity during our time. But the great Ric Charlesworth has called it slow and bouncy. Let us wait and watch.”

So, if the team qualified from the group, what would his expectations be?

“In the last World Cup, Germany had said their aim was the Olympics and with this in mind I believe it will be very hard for us. However, if we make it from the group level, I would like to see a podium finish for the nation, else between five to eight.”

“Hockey is our national game and we once ruled the world. It is disheartening to see that the country is not in a position to hold a world-class tournament of its own, inviting all top hockey-playing nations, at least once in two years. This would give a definite boost to the game in India.”

Before winding up, Kindo said: “I wish the team all the very best.”