Bengaluru: With a bustling hockey schedule starting with the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup around the corner for Team India, former national team captain and local favourite Arjun Halappa backed the junior members of the 33-man squad to step up to the big-time in world hockey. Speaking to media personnel at the ongoing training camp at the Sports Authority of India’s Southern Centre in the city on Friday, Halappa, who joined head coach Roelant Oltman’s support staff last week, recognised the challenges that lay ahead regardless of the depth of talent available in the Indian ranks.
“We’ve done really well at the junior level. The most important thing is for things to fall in to place at the senior level. Major tournaments like the World Cup, the Olympics and the Champions Trophy are a different ball game. To get the feeling of being a part of big matches and tournaments and to win these games is very important,” he quipped.
At a time of transition for the men’s side, Halappa believes the combination of experienced heads, former players behind the scenes and youthful exuberance can be a force in the future. “It’s very nice to get 11 juniors into one bunch for the senior group. I just hope that they can transition the result of winning the junior World Cup to the senior group. I can’t expect this to happen overnight. We’re hosting the 2018 World Cup and 2020 Olympics will also serve as good exposure,” the 36-year-old noted.
‘Thrilled with new role’
Halappa was evidently thrilled about his new role. “We’re building a new team and I had to take a call on the job as Roelant has (been) behind me to coach for a while. I really want to give back something to hockey. The learning aspect is crucial for Indian coaches, especially from experienced figures like Oltmans. I am very grateful to him and Hockey India for giving me this opportunity.”
The former attacking midfielder was optimistic about the dressing room chemistry and was quick to point out its effectiveness. “A lot of guys in the support staff started together. We hope that helps to contribute towards the success of this team. “At the end of the day, the players matter. The staff can lend feedback but execution holds key. The seniors have been pushing hard, and juniors are in turn pushing them for positions,” he surmised.
