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New Indian hockey captain Sreejesh says: There is no easy matches in Olympics
PR Sreejesh was the guardian angel for Team India on many occasions making goal-line saves and no wonder he has been appointed the men’s hockey team captain for the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. PR Sreejesh said there is no "easy match" in a sporting extravaganza like the Olympics, and all 12 teams will fancy their chances of qualifying for the quarterfinals in Rio.
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Chennai
"It is Olympics and there is nothing easy. Every match will be serious affair," he said before departing for Rio de Janeiro.
"In each group there are six teams out of which four will qualify for the quarterfinals. Therefore, it is very important for us to garner as many points as possible to increase our chances because the new format gives an opportunity to every team," he said.
Unlike previous editions, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has introduced a new competition format in this year's Olympics.
As per the new format 12 teams have been divided into two pools of six with each team initially playing round-robin games within their pool. Following the completion of the round-robin games, the top four teams from each pool will advance to the quarterfinals.
Previously, after completion of round robin games top two teams from each pool used to directly qualify for the semifinals.
Sreejesh, who took over the captaincy mantle from long-standing Sardar Singh just ahead of the Olympics, said they are ready to face any side in the quarterfinals.
"We are ready to meet anybody in the quarterfinals. We cannot say we want this team or that team. We will give our 100 per cent against any side, be it world world champions Australia," he said.
Sreejesh said hockey is a team and a captain hardly has any role on the pitch.
"Hockey is a team game and all 11 players on the field are captains. They have specific responsibilities to shoulder. We are going to Rio as a team," he said.
The experienced goalkeeper and his team played a few practice matches in Spain before heading to Rio and he felt the tour would hold India in good stead in the Olympics.
"We went to Spain mainly for acclimatisation. We needed a break from here. We played a couple of practice matches there and know where we stand. The climate of Rio during the Games will be to similar Spain. So, it is a good decision to go to Spain before landing at Rio," Sreejesh said.
India lost both matches to Spain but the second one was very close with the home side winning 3-2.
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