It appears that the Indian Hockey coach, Graham Reid has some superstitious tendencies. He doesn’t mind responding “Touch wood, all is great” with us when you inquire about the team’s fitness.
The 18-member national squad is presently in Rourkela, and everyone’s attention is focused on them because the 2023 Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup is just around the corner in Odisha. India has been placed in Pool D with Spain, England, and Wales and will play their first game there on January 13.
The coveted Hockey World Cup was last won by India in 1975 in Malaysia. When chatting with India’s head coach Graham Reid, the first thing that comes to mind is whether or not the national team will end its medal drought in Odisha.
At the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, which were held in Japan last year, the 58-year-old Australian led the men’s hockey team to a bronze medal. Will the Indian squad perform the same act it did in Tokyo in Odisha?
Reid, the foreign coach discussed a variety of topics, including the strain of playing at home and the need for a little luck to guarantee that the squad performs when it matters most to beat their rivals.
Graham Reid discusses pressure, home advantage, and expectations
There are high expectations for the renowned World Cup, which is held only every four years. This is especially true if it is being held at home. The Indian hockey fans’ expectations are well-known to the Australian expert. However, it is up to the national team to perform when it counts.
“I understand the high stakes of placing on the podium at the World Cup. To live up to the public’s expectations, I hope the Indian squad performs at the top of their game,” he continued.
To get used to the new surface, the 18-person Indian squad traveled to Rourkela a few days ago. The national hockey team uses this facility as its primary practice facility, and the turf is soft and distinct from that at the Sports Authority of India site in Bengaluru. Bhubaneswar will host several World Cup games as well.
Unless the ground is bouncy, according to India’s head coach, he doesn’t need to worry too much on this kind of surface.
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