After a dismal performance in the World Cup, India hockey coach Terry Walsh’s priority now is to strengthen his forward line for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which runs from July 23-August 23.
The Australian hopes that the addition of Gurwinder Singh Chandi would bolster the attack that looked jaded in the World Cup.
The forward line now boasts of S.V. Sunil, Akashdeep, Ramandeep Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah and Chandi. Altogether they have 297 caps among them. Walsh has hoped that Chandi’s experience will be a benefit for the team against the opponents.
Chandi said he was happy to be back in the Indian team.
“I am happy that I am back in the Indian team and that too for a big tournament, the Commonwealth Games. Although the comeback took me one and a half years, but I utilised this period to work on my game which I will be using to my strength during the Commonwealth Games,” said Chandi.
“The team is working hard on the forward position wherein our chief coach Terry Walsh is pushing us to give our best during these sessions and this has helped us to get closely weaved with each other’s style of game on the field,” he said.
Gurwinder has good knowledge about tackling the ball in the circle and will play a key role in bringing positive results for the team
Walsh said India have one of the best forward line-up as compared to the tournaments in the recent past.
“The two young players, Nikkin Thimmaiah and Ramandeep Singh who got injured before the start of the World Cup, are set to make their comeback along with an experienced senior player Gurwinder Singh Chandi. It’s a sign of added power to our forward line. Gurwinder has good knowledge about tackling the ball in the circle and will play a key role in bringing positive results for the team,” he said.
