Have to rise to the occasion: Coach

Update: 2013-11-30 08:07 GMT
2013 Men's Hockey Junior World Cup

New Delhi: In about a week’s time, India will take on the best in the world at the Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup beginning in the capital.

Much like his wards, the quadrennial event will be a test for coach Gregg Clark, for whom this is his last — and the most crucial — assignment with the team.

The South African’s contract ends on the last day of the showpiece event.

“I go into every tournament thinking of nothing but a win. Whether this is my first assignment or the last, my approach remains the same,” said the 40-year-old Clark as his players trained under floodlights at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here on Friday evening.

“About my contract, honestly I have given it a little bit of thought, but nothing more. Yes, this could be the platform for a long term liaison with

Indian hockey, but the focus is clearly and entirely on the tournament.“

SANDEEP ROPED IN TO TRAIN DRAG-FLICKERS The Indian team have pre pared thoroughly in all aspects of the game, according to the coach.

For penalty corners -the most crucial aspect in modern hockey -Clark roped in the services of India's top drag-flicker Sandeep Singh.

Said Sandeep from Haryana, “I noticed that the junior lot plays with a lot of power, but for a drag-flicker to excel, it has to be a mix of both accuracy and power. “Power without direction is useless and that is what I have tried to teach these boys in the few sessions that I have had with this team,” he told this paper.

Vice-captain Amit Rohidas and World Series Hockey’s '1 crore star Gurjinder Singh will take up the drag-flicking responsibilities, besides Sukhmanjit Singh.

“Both Amit Rohidas and Gurjinder have experience and I believe they would put it to good use during this key tournament. “It is important to read the opponent goalkeeper, his angles and make spaces accordingly.

Sukhmanjit Singh could be used during variation set-pieces,” said Sandeep.

Added Clark, “Sandeep brings in expertise. After the Sultan of Johor Cup, there was a lot that was required off our penalty corner conversions, and we decided to fix it. His inputs have been valuable.”

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