Indian hockey team packed with experienced and talented young players today left for London for participating in the upcoming biggest sports event 'London Olympic 2012' with the hope to win a medal for the country.
"We are not just going there (London) to participate in the Olympics we want to do something for the country. A medal in London will mean a lot for Indian hockey as it help in reigniting interests for the game among youngsters," said Indian Captain Bharat Chetri on the sideline of a felicitation function organised by Hockey India (HI), the governing body of Indian Hockey, on Sunday.
HI today felicitated the 34 living legends - Olympic gold medallists - of Indian hockey with a cash reward of Rs two lakh each from its coffers at a grand function, which also served as the see-off ceremony for the London Olympics-bound team.
"Semi-final is our first target and it is possible if every single player give his 70-80 per cent on the field," added Indian Captain.
But, his deputy mid-fielder Sardar Singh went ahead to his skipper stating, that he has already started dreaming about a podium finish.
"I am confident of winning a medal. All the players have worked hard for this for the last 8-9 months. In fact, in my dreams, I only think about winning a medal in the Olympics," he said.
But, Indian Coach Michael Nobbs made more mature comments, as he knows the ground reality of current Indian hockey team, which has not played with top teams since last 8-9 months that can measure the correct stand of India.
"With a little bit of luck we can do wonders (in the Olympics). We are really a talented side but the boys need to have belief and absolute confidence in their abilities." Nobbs said on the sidelines of a felicitation function organised by Hockey India, here today.
"To be among the top teams in the world again we need to play more against to sides. But unfortunately, we didn't play enough against top teams (in the run up to the Olympics)," Nobbs said.
Warning to Indian hockey team, who usually do silly mistakes at crucial moments, Indian coach Nobbs said, 'the Indian players need to do away with their habit of committing silly mistakes against top sides like Australia, Germany and the Netherlands.'
"The difference between a top side and an ordinary side is that a top team doesn't make stupid mistakes," he said.
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