Today we all are proud, happy and relieved. Thirteen years is a long wait and finally we have broken the jinx.
What a week it has been! Last Sunday, we all were sitting in our rooms, faces glum and wondering what went wrong against Egypt after our 2-2 draw. Today we all are proud, happy and relieved. Thirteen years is a long wait and finally we have broken the jinx.
It was great the way boys picked up their game after the first match. As the tournament progressed I could see the willingness of the boys to win. The dedication the boys showed, especially SV Sunil who lost his father a day before the tournament started, was something I have seen in the team after a long time. It is a very emotional win for all of us.
This win has proved one thing — we do not need a foreign coach. The team is doing very well under Harendra Singh. I do not see why we should change the coaching staff. Even Ramandeep Singh and Romeo James, the two assistant coaches are doing well. I have always said that we need assistance from a foreigner on certain issues but not a full-time coach. Mr Jose Brasa is a reputed coach but why should we change right now? There is so little time remaining for the World Cup. Let’s hope the IOA changes its decision.
This is the best team we have had in a long time. There is perfect blend of experience and youth. You have to give it to the seniors. I think they were instrumental. Sandeep proved his class, Dilip was magnificent. I congratulate him on his achievement during the tournament. I am lost for words speaking about him. I would just like to tell him that I salute him for his glorious career.
I would like to appeal to the government to pay attention to these sports. This is the first time I am travelling with the team as manager and what I have witnessed is something that hurts me very much. I last played for India in 2004 and I thought things would have changed since then, like the amount they are given as allowances and other such things. But sadly, nothing much has changed. When will we wake up and take note of other sports? Anyway, I congratulate the entire team and most of all the people of India. Let’s hope the good work continues and we won’t have to wait another 13 years for this trophy.
— Dhanraj Pillay is the Indian team manager. He spoke to Mihir Vasavda from Ipoh, Malaysia
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