India can reclaim hockey Olympic medal in Tokyo, says ex-captain Bharat Chetri

His dream of winning an Olympic medal unfulfilled, former India hockey goalkeeper Bharat Chetri believes Manpreet Singh and his men can break four-dece-old jinx in Tokyo Summer Games to be held next year. Indian hockey has a rich history in Olympics, having won an unprecedented eight gold medals, besides one silver and two bronze medals. But India's last success at qurennial event came 40 years ago in 1980 Moscow Olympics, where y won last of ir eight gold medals.

India can reclaim hockey Olympic medal

Chetri, who was part of Indian team that finished last in 2012 London Olympics, said it is his belief that past masters of game can achieve something big in Tokyo.

" younger Bharat would have said that my dream was to win medals at Olympics, but older Bharat, as a fan of Indian hockey, just wants to see team win medals for our country at Tokyo Olympic Games," Chetri was quoted as saying by Hockey India in a release.

"It is t just a dream, it is a belief, which I have seen in our current players also during times that I have spent with m as goalkeeping or assistant coach.

"I think talent that we have in our ranks, along with top fitness levels, we really have a good chance to perform at our best under guidance of both respective chief coaches."

former captain said India has me significant improvement in all departments of game since last place finish in London and it is clearly evident from world rankings where eight-time Olympic champions are currently placed at fourth spot. "But over past eight years since London Olympics, I think re has been considerable improvement in our game, and credit for that also needs to go to all players and coaches who have been involve," he said. "And also Hockey India for doing a great job in providing best facilities and infrastructure to its athletes to train and stay during national camps. "I think as a young player, when you see kind of importance that a national team gets from its fans and federation as well, it is very motivating," he ded. 

Im credits: PTI