Indian team gearing itself up for BDO World Cup

Bangalore, July 10 (UNI) The Indian hockey team, which had a podium finish at the recently held Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Kuala Lumpur, is sweating it out in the garden city for the forthcoming BDO World Cup in Germany to be held from September six to 17.

The team, which had bagged a bronze medal in Kuala Lumpur, started its 16-day training at the Sports Authority of India South Centre here yesterday.

Talking to UNI, Team Coach V Baskaran said the camp was aimed at imparting match tactics to lessen mistakes committed on the field, clinch the ball from opponents and convert it into goals, besides giving top priority to physical fitness.

In all 24 probables selected for the BDO World Cup were undergoing training here. The first phase of the camp would concentrate on interaction among players, exchange of views and learning more tactics. The second phase was scheduled to be held in Chennai from August one.

He said unlike the usual camps during which practice matches were held, this camp would focus on specific aspects of the game. ''I have worked out a system keeping in mind the World Cup tournament.

The boys are also enthusiastic to learn. I am giving more freedom so that the boys, who were keeping mum all these days, interact with each other and discuss match techniques.

''Though it has made my job more tough, this is the way I want players to learn and during the last six months I have succeeded and I am confident of this principle working out well in the World Cup too,'' he added.

MORE UNI MSP RG HVB1755