India men’s hockey team striker SV Sunil feels the team is much better prepared this time around for the Olympics than four years ago in London and said playing Germany in the Champions Trophy will keep them in good stead against the reigning champions in the Rio Games.
India are clubbed along side defending champions Germany, European champions Netherlands, Pan-American Games champions Argentina, Ireland and Canada in Pool B in the Rio Olympics.
And Sunil, who vies to be at his best against the mighty Germans, said the Champions Trophy will provide them much-needed knowledge about top teams, including Germany.
They (Germany) are the best team in the world. It is my priority to do well against them in the Champions Trophy and at the Olympics. Playing them in the Champions Trophy will help us understand their game better ahead of the Olympics. We discussed Germany in our previous team meetings and we are aware of their stregth and weaknessesSV Sunil, Striker, India Mens hockey
Talking about eight-time champions India’s preparation for the Olympics, Sunil hoped for a much-better performance the team in Rio, unlike four years ago in London where they finished last among 12 teams.
Last time, we paid more attention to fitness but this time, it is very different. We are paying attention to overall development as a team and the training has a lot to do with discipline and team spirit which I think has helped us on the field and in understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses. The approach we have for the Olympics this time is far more systematic and I feel we are on the right track
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