Proud of their newly-found toned physique, the Indian players plan to flaunt their six-pack abs if they perform well, said vice-captain Sardar Singh.
Sardar is one of the fittest players not just in India but in the world and the soft-spoken midfielder from Sant Nagar village of Haryana's Sirsa district credits team's exercise physiologist David John for the transformation.
“Our fitness has witnessed a sea change in the last one year and all credit goes to David for making the difference,” Sardar told PTI in an interview from La Albericia, the capital city of Cantabria in Spain.
“Earlier, we used to feel shy to show off our body which is not the case now. In fact, if we do well in the Olympics, we have plans to celebrate the success by showing off our six-pack abs,” he said.
As suggested by chief coach Michael Nobbs, Sardar is crucial to India's success in London. Being part of the FIH All-Stars team for two consecutive years, Sardar is considered the driving force of the team, but he does not want to take undue pressure.
“As such there is no additional pressure on me. Obviously, there is the pressure to perform for the country but being a professional player I know how to handle such situations,” he insisted.