Field Hockey

VR Raghunath feels that the current Indian Hockey players are better prepared ahead of the Olympics than the ones in Rio

 

Former Indian hockey star and ace drag flicker VR Raghunath recently claimed that the current crop of players are much better equipped than the batch that headed to Rio de Janeiro in 2016 with the aim to finish on the podium.

The Indian men’s hockey team finished eighth at the Rio Olympics. Reflecting on the Olympics campaign five years ago the veteran defender said, “The Canada match which we drew cost us in 2016. That result put us in a different qualification group. But I feel the current batch of players can handle the Olympics a lot better.

“The same batch of players have been around for seven-eight years now, they are in touch with European players. They can perform much better than Rio,” Raghunath went on to add.

He feels that the players have that rhythm in them to perform their best at the Tokyo Olympics. He wants the players to keep a free mind and not think too much about the big stage.

“In the Olympics, it comes down to one or two matches and how you get your rhythm right in the arena. I have seen teams keeping it simple and playing with a free mind. I’d tell the players not to think much about the occasion”, said VR Raghunath.

“The players are in the same age group and have been quarantined together for a long time so they are familiar with each other and have been winning Pro League games as well. Players like Rupinder and Manpreet were around in the previous edition as well. They have covered every area well,” the veteran defender opined.

Raghunath also spoke highly of current Indian team vice-captain Harmanpreet Singh. He opened up on how he and Rupinder Pal Singh took him under their wings and now he has taken over the drag flick responsibilities of Raghunath.

“Harman had immediately arrived after the U-21 World Cup win. There were instructions from the coaches to take him under our wing. Because of this, we needed to protect him at least for 30-40 matches so that he could get an idea of what international hockey is all about,” he said. “We guided him and he grasped things very quickly. We could see the results in just 3-4 months. He started scoring as well. Rupinder Pal Singh and I tried to treat him like a brother and not as a player,” added VR Raghunath.

“He has come a long way over the last four years, and I feel he has another 8-10 years of international Hockey in him. Varun Kumar and Amit Rohidas have also entered the mix. This is good for Indian hockey as we are not sure when a player will be down with an injury,” said the 32-year-old.

 

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Robin Uthappa reflects on Kuldeep Yadav being left out of India’s playing 11 during ENG vs IND 2025 Tests

Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa backed the team management’s decision to not play Kuldeep Yadav… Read More

August 7, 2025

Prasidh Krishna’s childhood coach lauds pacer for fine show in ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test

India’s fast bowler Prasidh Krishna's childhood coach, P. Srinivasa Murthy, praised his ward for bowling… Read More

August 7, 2025

Sanjay Bangar hails Ravindra Jadeja’s performance in ENG vs IND 2025 series

Former Indian all-rounder Sanjay Bangar praised Ravindra Jadeja for his consistent performances in the Anderson-Tendulkar… Read More

August 6, 2025

Parthiv Patel lauds KL Rahul, says he performed consistently till the fifth Test against England

Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Parthiv Patel praised KL Rahul for performing consistently throughout the five-match… Read More

August 6, 2025

Sunil Gavaskar reveals turning point in ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar believes Joe Root’s dismissal late on the fourth day of the fifth… Read More

August 5, 2025

Siraj’s ‘Believe’ Moment Powers India to Famous Win at The Oval

For Mohammed Siraj, India’s dramatic six-run victory at The Oval on Monday began long before… Read More

August 5, 2025