We are better prepared for Olympics 2021: Raghunath
What's the story
Veteran Indian drag-flicker VR Raghunath thinks that the current team is better prepared for the Olympics to be held in Tokyo in July this year than the side which finished eighth in the previous edition in Rio de Janeiro 2016.
India had lost to Belgium in the quarterfinals in the 2016 Summer Games. Raghunath is not on the list of Olympic probables this time.
Game
It comes down to one or two matches: Raghunath
"The Canada match which we drew cost us in 2016. That result put us in a different qualification group," Raghunath said.
"The same batch of players have been around for seven-eight years now. They are in touch with European players," he added.
At the Olympics, it comes down to one or two matches and how you get your rhythm right, he said.
Players
Indian players have been performing well in Pro League games
The players are in the same age group and have been quarantined together for a long time so they are familiar with each other and have been winning Pro League games as well.
"Players like Rupinder and Manpreet were around in the previous edition as well. They have covered every area well," the 32-year-old veteran added.
Harmanpreet Singh
Raghunath is full of praise for Vice-Captain Harmanpreet Singh
The former Asian Games champion was full of praise for current Vice-Captain Harmanpreet Singh, who took over drag-flick duties from Raghunath.
"Harman had immediately arrived after the U-21 World Cup win. There were instructions from the coaches to take him under our wing; to protect him at least for 30-40 matches so that he could get an idea of international hockey," Raghunath said.
Further statements
Harmanpreet has come a long way: Raghunath
Talking about Harmanpreet Singh, Raghunath said, "He started scoring in just 3-4 months. Rupinder Pal Singh and I tried to treat him like a brother and not as a player."
"Harmanpreet has come a long way over the last four years. He has another 8-10 years of international Hockey in him. Varun Kumar and Amit Rohidas have also entered the mix," he added.