New Delhi, Jul 12: Placed in a tough pool, India's hockey coach Michael Nobbs says vice-captain Sardara Singh and ace drag-flicker Sandeep Singh's form would be crucial to the team's chances in the upcoming London Olympics.
“I think we have the harder pool by long way and it would be foolhardy for any of these teams to say where they will finish.
We are all trying to do the best we can,” Nobbs told PTI in an interview from La Albericia, the capital city of Cantabria in Spain.
“I expect the team to do its best and to try and finish as well as it can. Everyone forgets there are 11 other teams there as well.
“Not just in my opinion, but Sardara at this point in time probably is one of the two or three best players in the world.
If he plays well we will do well. On the other hand, if Sandeep scores a bagful of Penalty Corner goals that will also be the key (to our success),” he added.
Back in the Olympics after missing out the Beijing Games, eight-time champions India have been placed in a tough Pool B alongside reigning champions Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Korea and Belgium.
Nobbs feels Indian hockey is still in the rebuilding phase and it would need some more time to produce results on a consistent basis.
“Not at this stage, but you never know (about India's chances in the Olympics). I am certain that we are well along the right track to start to produce consistent good results and that's going to happen,” Nobbs said.
The Australian is satisfied with India's build-up to the Olympics but said his team still needs to fix a few weak links.
“I think we have the harder pool by long way and it would be foolhardy for any of these teams to say where they will finish.
We are all trying to do the best we can,” Nobbs told PTI in an interview from La Albericia, the capital city of Cantabria in Spain.
“I expect the team to do its best and to try and finish as well as it can. Everyone forgets there are 11 other teams there as well.
“Not just in my opinion, but Sardara at this point in time probably is one of the two or three best players in the world.
If he plays well we will do well. On the other hand, if Sandeep scores a bagful of Penalty Corner goals that will also be the key (to our success),” he added.
Back in the Olympics after missing out the Beijing Games, eight-time champions India have been placed in a tough Pool B alongside reigning champions Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Korea and Belgium.
Nobbs feels Indian hockey is still in the rebuilding phase and it would need some more time to produce results on a consistent basis.
“Not at this stage, but you never know (about India's chances in the Olympics). I am certain that we are well along the right track to start to produce consistent good results and that's going to happen,” Nobbs said.
The Australian is satisfied with India's build-up to the Olympics but said his team still needs to fix a few weak links.
