Ramandeep is optimistis amid reality

Four years on, how different is the situation going to be? Ramandeep Singh is convinced that it is going to different this time. Speaking with guarded optimism, Ramandeep said that the side had undergone lengthy psychological and physical training sessions at Patiala.

“The situation is different this time. Last time we did not go to the Olympics as Asian Games champions,” said Ramandeep. “Also, the boys are disciplined and united. They interact more and exchange ideas with each other. It’s like a family and we enjoy being together,” said Ramandeep even as his teammates called out for him to join them for dinner. Ramandeep smiled and waved back, gesturing them to go ahead.

“As in Atlanta, our first match is again with Argentina, but we are not worried. The team is better prepared, mentally and physically, this time. During our previous match against Argentina, apart from other things we were let down by poor umpiring too,” he said

The Sports Authority of India has helped a great deal in the prepartion, especially with all kinds of lab tests. A series of tests helped the doctors and coaches evaluate time needed for recovery.

Some of the Indian players in the warm-up matches are likely to play with graphite sticks. The sticks were made available during the sides’s training camp at Patiala. Initially only four players, Ramandeep, Mukesh Kumar, Dhanraj Pillay and Mohammed Riaz tried it, but soon more members are likely to follow suit. “It gives added power to the game,” said Ramandeep.

Going back to the team Ramandeep said he had learnt a lot from former captains Pillay, Mukesh and Mohammed Riaz. He admitted he was initially nervous when faced with the situation of leading a team with three former captains. In the same breath, he added, “But they have all been extremely supportive and there is no question of dissension or ego problems.”

As good as it looks, the ultimate test will be when the tournament actually begins.