Game-weary, this band must play on

The national team would barely set its feet in India from pakistan before embarking on a trip Down Under to play in the Commonwealth Games.

In the given hectic scenario, the coaches Rajinder Singh and his assistant Clarence Lobo would have little breathing space to work on the teams fitness and mental alertness. They would no doubt have to bank greatly on the services of trainer Sampath Kumar and physiotherapist Ravi Kanakamedala.

Some of the players including Ignace Tirkey and Rajpal Singh are recovering from injuries. While speaking to The Indian Express, Lobo admitted the players tired due to relentless hockey, ‘‘The schedule has been very tight. We have very little time to prepare the boys for the important events ahead.’’

He also added the need for time to loosen up. ‘‘Their bodies are too tired to take full load during the camp. Moreover, we also have to see that the boys don’t feel completely burnt out,’’ remarked Lobo.