“I assure you I will not rest on my laurels. My goal is now to guide India in qualifying for the 2008 Olympics,†said India’s hockey coach Joaquim Carvalho after India’s 7-2 victory over South Korea in the final of the Asia Cup hockey championship on Sunday.
Talking about the final, the coach said, “we played a much better tactical game. The players are playing to a system, adapting to situations and maintaining good physical fitness.â€Â
Carvalho said that he was not sure of a victory even when India led 5-1, having been in a situation before. “I knew Koreans could come back. Till the end, I saw to it that the boys didn’t relax.â€Â
Immediately after the resumption, Korea staged a walk-out arguing that striker Hong Sung Kweon did indeed hit the goal from inside the circle. “Korea’s walk-out only helped us. It did upset its rhythm,†said arvalho. The all-important question that is being asked is in which pool would India be placed in the Olympic qualifier. “Whichever group we are in, we have to win the tournament,” the former Olympian said.
Carvalho praised goalkeeper Baljit Singh for his wonderful performance throughout. “He’s a steady and not a flashy goalkeeper. Like most European goalkeepers, he does not fall on the groundâ€Â.
Carvalho also heaped praise on Prabhjot Singh. “After Zafar Iqbal and Thoiba Singh, we didnt have any specialist left-in. Its a difficult position and I think Prabhjot has silenced a lot of critics with his superb display.â€Â
Gurbux Singh, a selector and Chairman, Umpiring Committee, IHF, said it was a great day for Indian hockey. “ We are on the right track. It (the win) is a great fillip for the Olympic qualifiers. I have not seen such a performance by the Indian team for a decade. This should be a revival of Indian hockeyâ€Â.
