Performance to continue but forward line needs improvement: Pargat

New Delhi, May 20 (UNI) A spirited performance in the Azlan Shah hockey tournament to finish runners-up has brought a cheer on every Indians's face but the team manager and former Olympian Pargat Singh believes that the forward line still need to improve its game.

''Though we played really well and the improvement in our overall game was evident at the Azlan Shah tournament but I think the forward line still has a lot of work to do.'' Pargat told mediapersons here today.

Pargat said though the team did go down 1-2 to Argentina in the finals, it was a great fight back form India after it lost to the same opponents in the league matches 1-5.

''It was a great turn around. We lost 1-5 to Argentina in the league stages but in the finals we fought well and the score line could have been different has we not missed out on a couple of opportunities.

''But still we can not undermine the team's runner-up finish and these are part and parcels of any sport,''he said.

However, the former India captain seemed pretty impressed with the improvement the team has showed in penalty corner conversions.

The former Olympian said it was a tough time after the hockey debacle in Chile but it was an effort from both the players and the management who should be credited for the complete turnaround in Malaysia.

''It is a matter of great pride for all of us as we defeated four teams who have already qualified for the Olympics. It's a huge turnaround.

''The ad hoc committee, which provided its support at every moment, too, needs to be complimented for it,'' Pargat said.

Pargat also urged the government to lend its helping hand to the national game so that the hockey again rises to the pinnacle of its glory.

''We need a positive support from the government so that the players continue their good performances in future,'' he concluded.

UNI RAR AB US1421