New Delhi: “Have fun” and “do not take unnecessary pressure” was the simple and subtle message from new hockey skipper Sreejesh P.R. as the 16-strong men’s hockey squad for the Rio Games was announced here on Tuesday.
As reported by this newsapaper two days ago, Sreejesh replaced midfielder Sardar Singh as captain, with the latter currently under a lot of pressure owing to off-field issues. Sreejesh said he wants to “lead the team by example”.
“We are a team first and foremost. and that is what I will remind the boys each and every day. I am happy at being given this honour and will look to lead by example. Together we have to make sure that the pain of the 2012 London Games where we finished last is removed,” Sreejesh said.
Coach Roelant Oltmans admitted that Sardar — who is currently facing allegations of rape and domestic violence by a British-origin Indian girl — was “affected” by the developments and could play much better without the extra responsibility.
“By changing the captain I believe Sardar will play a much better Olympic,” said Oltmans, adding, “The philosophy behind changing the captain is that we felt people need to take more responsibilities on and off the pitch. Sardar was taking too much responsibilities because of which he was not performing at the level that is expected of him.”
The team are a healthy mix of experienced hands, sprinkled with young and upcoming names that makes it a fighting-fit unit. Striker S.V. Sunil was handed vice-captaincy duties. Harmanpreet Singh was rewarded for his strong show since he made his debut last year, adding stability to the defence line. Birender Lakra, who failed to recover from a knee injury, was the biggest miss with Surender Kumar being drafted in his place. Experienced defenders V.R. Raghunath and Rupinderpal Singh kept their places while Kothajit completed the backline.
With Sardar set to be central to India’s plan, Manpreet Singh and Danish Mujtaba are expected to be able foils in the midfield. Devindar Walmiki made the cut along with S.K. Uthappa and Chinglensana. The attackline will be headed by the team’s ‘Usain Bolt’ Sunil, Akashdeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh and Nikkin Thimmaiah.
