Pressure is on Dutch, our boys are relaxed

As a player, you are involved with the game for only, at a maximum, 120 minutes. When the match ends, you can switch off, unburden yourself. As a coach, you are on duty 24/7, all day all night. Even in your sleep, you’re thinking of the team, of your opponents, of the next challenge, of the previous day’s lessons.

As a player, the motivation is ‘‘me’’; as a coach, it’s all about ‘‘us’’. This is a crucial evolution I have come to appreciate.

So much for my little preamble, let’s focus on the task at hand.

On Sunday, August 15, India play Holland in our opening match at the Olympic hockey tournament. It is Independence Day and all India would be looking to a victory.

It is an equally important match for both countries, actually. The Dutch are defending champions and would be quite charged up, hoping to make a good start. I suppose that extra bit of pressure on them is only to be expected.

On my part, I am confident of getting past Holland. All our recent matches with the Dutch have seen the Indian team play outstanding hockey. If the results haven’t always reflected this it is because, at times, we have made silly mistakes — or been plain unlucky.

The first 15 minutes will be crucial. Well begun is half-done and nowhere is this truer than in the opening game of a big tournament such as the Olympics.

The Indian team is relaxed. The build-up to the match has been easy-paced. There is no unnecessary tension and the boys are quietly confident.

The first match will go a long way in defining the rest of the campaign for us. We are preparing for Sunday evening with a mix of hope and resolve. Cheer us in front of your television screens.