The constant change of captains in the Indian hockey team is in bad taste and defies logic, feels Olympian and former India captain Gurbux Singh. The highest capped Indian player Sardar Singh, who led India to a silver in the Azlan Shah, was ‘rested’ and the baton was handed to 28-year-old goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who led the side to a historic silver in the Champions Trophy.
Self Glory Is Vital
It’s in a bad taste. I’m not blaming any player. But you should decide whoever it may be one year in advance for a big event like Olympics.Gurbux Singh, Former Hockey Player, India
The 80 year old further added, “ I’m not against anyone, be it Sardar or Sreejesh. I don’t understand this logic. You just can’t put a new captain every match. But I don’t think it would affect the atmosphere. Just that the team would have looked more settled. “If you had Sreejesh in mind, he should have been named captain one year in advance. Hockey India already knew that Sardar had some personal problems. I don’t understand what made them take the call at the last minute.”
The veteran of the game didn’t look happy replying when asked whether it would affect the performance of Sardar who led the side in 2012 Olympics as he said.
It did not affect in our case. When it’s about winning an Olympic medal, players always put aside their personal differences and ego. “I think it’s rubbish if a player says he’s not playing for personal glory but for the country. After all your country will only benefit if you score goals. Who does not want an Olympic medal?
India Should Brace Themselves
Their silver lining in the Champions Trophy and Azlan Shah Cup may have provided the perfect build-up in the road to Rio but Singh said India should brace themselves for tougher challenges in the Summer Games next month. India bagged a maiden silver medal in the Champions Trophy after losing to Australia in a dubious penalty shootout last month.
For teams like Germany and Australia, Champions Trophy is a practice tournament where they send their reserve players. Yes we did well but we should brace for a tougher challenges next month.Gurbux Singh, Former Hockey Player, India
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