'It is Simple...': Hockey India Chief Advises Players on How to Beat Australia in Paris Olympics

As the Paris Olympics approach, the Indian men's hockey team finds itself in a challenging pool alongside powerhouses like Australia, Belgium, Argentina, New Zealand, and Ireland. Despite the tough competition, Hockey India chief Dilip Tirkey exudes confidence and has a straightforward message for the players on how to overcome the formidable Australian team.

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Dilip Tirkey on how India can beat top teams in Paris Olympics 2024

"In the Olympics, there are 12 teams, with six in each pool. It's not that we can't beat top teams like Australia and Belgium. It is simple... the players have to perform their duties in their specific roles on that given day," stated a confident Tirkey. "The team must be fit, and we are one of the fittest teams." This clear and focused advice underscores the importance of each player fulfilling their responsibilities and maintaining peak physical condition to achieve success on the Olympic stage.

India will commence its campaign on July 27 against New Zealand, setting the stage for a series of critical matches. They will face Argentina on July 29, followed by Ireland on July 30. The crucial encounters against Belgium and Australia are scheduled for August 1 and August 2, respectively. With Tirkey's confidence and strategic advice, the Indian team is gearing up to showcase its strength and agility against some of the world's best hockey nations.

The Indian hockey team will have the services of renowned South African mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton during the Paris Olympics.

Paddy Upton, who played a role in India winning the 2011 Cricket World Cup, will be a part of the support staff of the country's men's hockey team and had recently organised a three-day gruelling camp at adventurer Mike Horn's base in Switzerland before heading to Paris via the Netherlands.

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Expectations are high from the Harmanpreet-led side to better its performance at the Paris Games, starting July 26.

"I have full faith in goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and in all the young players in the team. Five players are going to make their debut at the Olympics but they too have good experience of international hockey.

"We are expecting a lot from captain Harmanpreet Singh, he is a world-class drag-flicker. If he gets going there in nothing to worry," Tirkey said on the sidelines of an event.

The HI chief said that with an experienced head coach in Craig Fulton at the helm, there is no reason why India can't change the colour of the medal in Paris.

"The team has already reached Paris. Our first match is against New Zealand on July 27. We had a very good performance in the last Asian Games. Head coach Fulton has vast experience. He was the coach of the Belgium team and also coached Olympic and World Cup-participating teams.

(With PTI inputs)