Bhubaneswar: The Indian men’s hockey team players along with head coach Harendra Singh arrived in the city Sunday for the month-long training camp starting Monday at the Kalinga Stadium as a part of their preparations for the upcoming Asian Hockey Champions Trophy in Oman next month and the World Cup in November.
While half of the 25-member group arrived in the afternoon, the rest of the group comprising the senior lot reached the city later in the day. Scientific advisor to Indian men’s hockey team Robin Arkell also travelled with the team.
Speaking to the media at the airport, Harendra asserted that their main focus in this month-long camp will be to rectify the loopholes which prevented them from winning the gold in the recently-concluded Asian Games where the Men in Blue finished third.
The coach also added that during the camp they will also put emphasis on the fitness and other aspects for the betterment of the players and the team. “We will also focus on the fitness of the players, how they are growing in a game, how to avoid injuries and many more,” Harendra said.
Harendra informed that as there are some new junior faces also in the group they will also try out some new combinations to have a clear picture before the last two tournaments of the year.
On being asked why Bhubaneswar as their training base, Harendra replied: “This city has one of the best of the grounds in the country. The boys love playing here and the crowd support here is really amazing. Moreover, the World Cup will also be played here. It will help us get to know local conditions better.”
Harendra, however, refused to make any comment about the exclusion of local boy Amit Rohidas.