Indian hockey coach Michael Nobbs pleased with draw

Indian hockey chief coach Michael Nobbs has expressed satisfaction over a ‘relatively’ easy group for the Olympic men’s field hockey qualifiers, which will be held in New Delhi from February 15 to 26. Indian men, who are yet to qualify for the London Games, will face Canada, France, Poland, Egypt and the United States.

“Well, it is good to see us in the group, as it is relatively an easy one. But at the same time, we can’t take it lightly, as ultimately, it is the Olympic qualifiers,” Nobbs told DNA.

Now that India know their opponents, his next job will be to form strategies according to each team. “We have been practising already and even now we will do the same. We will sit down together and form strategies according to our opponents,” he added.

Nobbs also felt that the other advantage for the side, apart from an easy pool, will be playing at home. “It will be an advantage for the boys as they will get a chance to play in front of their home crowd. It is great when a packed stadium cheers for you. Moreover, the home grounds and climate will also help the boys do well,” he said.

Meanwhile, world No 6 South Korea will take on Asian Games finalists Malaysia, Ireland, Russia, Chile and Ukraine in Dublin from March 10-18. Spain, silver-medallists at Beijing and currently ranked fourth, face hosts Japan, China, Austria, the Czech Republic and Cuba in the third qualifying tournament in the Japanese city of Kakamigahara from April 25 to May 6.

The winners of each of the three tournaments will join the nine direct qualifiers in London.