Indian Hockey Coach, Michael Nobbs optimistic for an Olympic berth
A comfortable grouping in the Olympic Qualifiers spread glee on the faces of the Indian hockey officials who are quite optimistic for securing a spot in the 2012 Olympic Games, set to be held in London, United Kingdom, from July 27 to August 12, 2012.
Indian hockey team Chief Coach, Michael Nobbs, is quite satisfied with the comparatively easy grouping in the Olympic qualifying tournament, released by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
Furthermore, the Indian team will have the edge of home-soil in the qualifiers, set to be held from February 15 to 26, 2012, in New Delhi, India.
The Indian team is clubbed with Canada, Poland, France, United States and Egypt in the first of the three qualifying tournaments.
The Chief Coach, while speaking to the media, said that they will not take any team granted for in the event.
He underscored, “Well, it is good to see us in the group, as it is relatively an easy one. But at the same time, we can’t take it lightly, as ultimately, it is the Olympic qualifiers. We have been practising already and even now we will do the same. We will
sit down together and form strategies according to our opponents”.
He explained that they will form strategies according to each team and match in the tournament. He also believes that the home-advantage will further help the Indian team in achieving its target.
In his view, the support of the home-crowd will be a plus-point for the national line-up. He observed, “It is great when a packed stadium cheers for you. Moreover, the home grounds and climate will also help the boys do well”.
In the meantime, the second qualifiers will be played in Dublin, Ireland, from March 10 to 18, 2012. This event will feature teams from South Korea, Malaysia, Ireland, Chile, Ukraine and Russia.
Japan, the venue of the third qualifying tournament, will host the event from April 25 to May 6, 2012. Teams from China, Czech Republic, Cuba, Spain, Austria and the hosts, Japan, will fight for the third ticket to the Olympics.
On the other hand, the teams from Pakistan, New Zealand, Germany, Great Britain, Belgium, Argentina, Australia and Holland have already booked their spots in the 2012 London Olympics.
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