Simple hockey, change in mindset needed for WC: Harendra Singh

Indian men's hockey team coach Harendra Singh has said that simple hockey and a change in mindset is the basic requirement for the team ahead of the upcoming Hockey World Cup.

The coach further stated that all the teams participating in the world cup would come well-prepared and they just need to be prepared, mentally and physically.

Speaking to ANI, Singh said, "We just need to change our thinking. We need to play simple hockey. We will take one match at a time. Teams participating in the World Cup will come well prepared. Any team can surprise other any day. We should be prepared mentally, and physically so that the same does not happen to us."

Reflecting on the recently-concluded Asian Champions Trophy, where India were declared a joint winner with Pakistan after the summit showdown was abandoned due to bad weather, Singh said that there are a lot of positives to take out from the tournament.

He, however, added that they still need to work on their strategy inside the circle.

"Overall, if you see, India remained undefeated throughout the tournament...it is a big positive. We scored maximum goals is a positive side, We conceded fewer goals is also a big positive. But the concerned area is that there is a lot of penetration in the circle. We need to work on the same. Boys know that in order to strengthen their claim on the World Cup trophy, they need to improve in that area," he added.

When asked if the team is missing the services of retired midfielder Sardara Singh, the coach said that every player leaves the team at one or another point. The main thing is how you cope with that, he continued.

"Every player has to leave the team at one or other point. The point is how well you cope up with the situation. I will credit Manpreet Singh for taking the responsibility like Sardara. I am happy the way he has played," he added.

Hockey World Cup is slated to be held from November 28 to December 16 in Odisha.

-ANI