High on confidence, but ravaged by injuries, the Indian hockey team faces a stiff challenge from reigning Olympic champions Germany in their third preliminary league match in the FIH Champions Trophy, in Melbourne, on Tuesday.
With an aim to enhance mental toughness of the players ahead of upcoming international tournaments, the Indian hockey team management is all set to rope in a Bangalore-based lady sports psychologist on temporary basis.
A top-four finish in the Olympics will be a 'miracle' for the Indian men's hockey team, but a favourable outing in their Games opener against the mighty Netherlands on July 30 will act as a huge 'confidence booster' for the eight-time champions, feels former players.
India might have failed to win the Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament for a record sixth time, but coach Micheal Nobbs is delighted with the bronze medal showing and said his wards did enough to finish on the podium.
Former India captain Dhanraj Pillay has expressed a desire to be the coach of the national hockey team. He claims that if given a free hand he can deliver results within a year.
Hockey India on Saturday sacked national coach Roelant Oltmans after a string of unimpressive outings at the international level.
India has always been a difficult place to work for foreign hockey coaches due to difference of opinion with national federations and bureaucratic hurdles.
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