New Delhi: Former Indian men’s hockey coach Harendra Singh has advised the Tokyo Olympics-bound players to avoid social media distractions ahead of the big-ticket event. The Tokyo Olympics is just in two weeks starting on June 23.
“This time the competition in the Olympics would be different and tougher due to the pandemic. I would suggest them to stay away from social media and stay focused,” Harendra, who is currently the head coach of the USA men’s hockey team, told PTI.
“They must not forget that they have worked very hard for the Olympics. They have made sacrifices during COVID times and now it is the time to show what they are capable of. It has been a long due now,” he added.
Harendra, who has also coached the Indian women’s and junior teams in the past, further advised the players to remember the sacrifices they made during the COVID-19 pandemic in their bid to finish on the podium in Tokyo.
The Olympics in Tokyo will be different this time with stringent restrictions for the athletes due to COVID-19. Furthermore, the ban on spectators – local and overseas – will make it difficult for the participants in Japan.
“It will not be easy to play in empty stadiums. But at the same time, it will ease out pressure from young players who are making a debut in the Games. India will be benefitted as we have many debutants in the team,” he said.
Speaking about India men’s chances at the Tokyo Olympics, Harendra emphasized their first priority will be to make it to the quarterfinals. “Without thinking about medal right now, they should focus on quarterfinal first. For me, it is the most important point. It is more important than semifinal or final,” he added.
“Indian hockey is going in the right direction and every coach has contributed to it. It is the most formidable team since 2000 and I am sure that this team can win a medal in Tokyo. We have been waiting for over four decades now,” he said.
