Indians should play Indian hockey: Ric

Chandigarh, May 22 (UNI) Returning here from Ipoh (Malaysia)where he accompanied the Indian hockey team as technical adviser, Australian Olympian Richards Charlesworth advised that "the Indians should play the Indian style of hockey instead switching over to the European style with a view to regain the past glory." Talking to UNI after reviewing the selection of 16 boys (9-10 years) for the state-run Chandigarh Hockey Academy, Charlesworth warned that India should not be carried away with the Ipoh performance where India finished runners-up to Argentina by a golden goal in the recently concluded Azlan Shah Hockey Cup.

Analysing the Indian performance, Ric said "The team has good hockey players. However, there are many many more things which are not in order. We will be making our assessment. Playing more hockey (competitions) will be better." "Lack of consistency was one of the weakness in the Indian team.

They were erratic. They were also tired after coming from Australia.

Still they do not deserve to lose to New Zealand by 3-4 after two goals up. The players must be backed up with physio and psychologist," said Charlesworth.

Charlesworth was at pains when he pointed out that "There was no video support at the Sultan Alzan Shah. Video recording of the Indian matches were done by my family video camera." UNI XC PS BK1649