Viren Rasquinha feels Indian men‘s hockey group will discover it difficult to win a medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. (image credit score: FIH/Getty pictures)
HIGHLIGHTS
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Viren doesn’t assume Indian hockey team to win a medal at Rio Olympics
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Viren turned into a part of the Indian team on the Athens video games in 2004
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Rio Olympics will take area from August five-21
Mumbai: at the same time as praising the Indian men hockey team‘s progress under the steerage of trainRoelant Oltmans, former worldwide Viren Rasquinha did now not preserve out a sensible danger for theusa to climb the medals podium at the approaching Rio Olympics.
“We must take one step at a time. In Beijing (2008 Olympics) India did not qualify and we have been twelfth(and final) in London (Olympics in 2012). From there to go and win a medal is unrealistic. Our first goal mustbe to qualify for the quarterfinals,” he said.
Rasquinha turned into talking at a panel discussion after being named by using star sports communityas one of its commentators all through its insurance of the August five-21 games.
The 35-12 months–vintage former participant, who represented India on the Athens video games in 2004,said Australia were the favourites for the gold, at the same time as India can nurture hopes of getting pastall different teams on its modern-day shape.
“the first precedence for the Indian squad could be to make it to the zone-finals (below the changedformat for the tournament). Australia are undoubtedly the favourites. but do away with Australia andwe’ve a chance against all different groups.
“All are inside our range. If we meet any of those nations inside the quarters i’d have hopes (for India)however if we meet Australia I do not have hopes as our report isn’t always exact. The number onepriority is to qualify (for quarters) and no 2 is to avoid Australia (in quarters),” stated Rasquinha.
The ex-worldwide has been roped in as an expert commentator by using the channel at the side ofAustralian swimming great Ian Thorpe, Indian trip ace Prakash Padukone, former taking pictures champion Anjali Bhagwat and Olympic swimmer Rehan Poncha.
Rasquinha changed into all praise for Oeltmans and stated he, for one, is not surprised at theimprovement inside the Indian crew beneath the Dutchman.
“Oeltmans is doing a notable process. He has built a high-quality group ethics. every body comes againto help the defence. there was powerful rolling substitution because of which India is playing at a completely excessive intensity that has amazed many. but however i have now not been amazed,” hesaid.
“I had visible Oeltmans making a distinction to Pakistan in Athens. I do not need to speak about thepast, but he’s the first-class character to guide India and has completed a excellent activity. i’m no longer surprised to look India gambling genuinely well inside the (ongoing) Champions Trophy,” Rasquinha stated.
Rasquinha, however, cautioned that from what he had visible up to now a few problem areas remained for the team.
“There are some trouble regions. We are not capable of close out fits, our quick (penalty) nook defence is suspect, at the same time as the conversion fee of brief corners and conceding ultimate– minute goals arestill hassle ares that the crew needs to deal with.”
He praised the Indian girls‘s crew for having qualified for the Olympic games after 36 years. “they have gotfinished thoroughly to qualify after 1980 (at Moscow). it is a massive credit score. some thing they do in Rio is a bonus.”
His abiding memory of the Athens games turned into the fit towards Australia, stated Rasquinha.
“We had been down to 10 men and trailed 1-three earlier than we made it three-all in opposition toAustralia. We conceded the suit-winner to Australia, who went directly to win the gold, with 20 seconds leftat the clock. We then got here 7th. That turned into the distinction,” the 35-12 months–vintagementioned.
