India played compact and sound hockey at Asian Games: M M Somaya

Olympic gold medallist M M Somaya feels Indian men's hockey team produced one of most "compact" performances to win its fourth yellow metal at recently-concluded Hangzhou Asian Games.

Somaya, who was Indian contingent's deputy chef de mission at Hangzhou, said it was mostly an unblemished performance from Harmanpreet Singh-led side, who directly qualified for Paris Olympics by winning gold.

"I think y (India) played outstanding in all matches, barring a few lapses of concentration against Japan and Korea, but orwise, overall, I think one of most compact and sound performances we have seen," said Somaya, a member of India's 1980 Olympic gold medal winning team in Moscow.

With next year's Paris ticket secured, Indian team can focus on its preparations w.

"w that burden of qualifying is gone, y can concentrate on making a strong program up to Paris. So just because y're t playing in tournament for qualification doesn't mean that y will be complacent. y can w eng in preparatory camps and tours with Paris in mind," Somaya said.

64-year-old also lauded women's team, who bagged bronze at Asian Games but missed out on a direct ticket to Paris.

" women also played very well, barring that game against China in first half where y were a little overwhelmed. And n in second half y opened up, but it was too late. Overall, it was an excellent performances from both teams." Somaya also had words of appreciation for Odisha government for its overwhelming support to Indian hockey.

“Odisha have stood out because of ir support for hockey, I don't remember any or sport where a state has supported national team. It's always been a corporate, but in this case state itself has supported national team, which is a big thing.”