Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey (IANS)
The winner of the Asian Games in Hangzhou will obtain a direct berth within the Olympic, whereas different nations have to play the qualifiers, slated to be held in Pakistan and Spain.
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey has mentioned that the nationwide males’s group will journey to Pakistan for qualifiers in case it fails to straight qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics by successful gold on the upcoming Hangzhou Asian Games, beginning September 23.
The group successful the continental occasion gold shall obtain a direct berth within the quadrennial extravaganza as per rule however different nations have to play the qualifiers and this time venues recognized are Pakistan and Spain.
”We might be attempting to get the job finished in Hangzhou. But, if for some motive, we fail to qualify, then there are a few venues which were recognized for the qualifiers – Pakistan and Spain. So, wherever it occurs, we will certainly go,” he mentioned throughout a media interplay on the eve of the event on Wednesday.
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Travelling to Pakistan requires authorities clearance and it’s there to be seen what would be the centre’s stance in case the state of affairs calls for that the nationwide hockey group is required to journey to Pakistan to play the qualifiers.
When weighed upon if the gamers have been risking themselves to damage by taking part in Asian Champions Trophy, simply weeks earlier than heading to China, Tirkey mentioned that one can decide up niggles even throughout coaching or warm-up video games.
”The most necessary factor to notice is that we play follow matches earlier than each main occasion. Don’t we now have the concern of getting injured then? So, I feel we should always take this occasion on a constructive word as a medium of preparation, and additionally it is a aggressive occasion.” ”There remains to be fairly a while, over a month, left for the preparations for the Asian Games. Injuries can occur even throughout follow matches. So, I don’t assume we must be too bothered by it and concentrate on delivering our greatest right here.” Chennai is witnessing the return of aggressive worldwide hockey for the primary time in 16 years.
When Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development Udhayanidhi Stalin was requested about it, he mentioned, ”One of the primary causes was that after the (Men’s) World Cup (earlier this yr), I requested to the International Hockey Federation (FIH) that we now have an excellent stadium right here and that we wish to deliver the worldwide occasion right here. And I wish to thank them.” Replying to the identical query, Asian Hockey Federation CEO Mohammad Tayyab Ikram got here up with a humorous reply.
”As to why it took so lengthy for Chennai to have worldwide hockey was that we have been ready for this dynamic chief (Udhayanidhi) to return over to us. And, as to why now’s as a result of he’s right here,” he mentioned in jest.
Tirkey additionally opened up on the matter and remarked, ”For the previous few years, just a few cities are being developed into high-profile hockey centres, together with Odisha, which has one of the best services proper now. Earlier, fairly some Indian cities was once prime hockey centres with championship matches and tournaments, which additionally included Chennai.” ”I’ve myself featured in a number of the competitions in Chennai. So, our focus has been on reviving the previous hockey centres of India. Chennai had plenty of craze when it comes to hockey again on the time and we are going to all the time goal to make issues higher right here with the assistance of the Tamil Nadu authorities.” Concerns have been as soon as once more raised in regard to the scheduling of the competitors simply 5 weeks earlier than the Hangzhou Games. However, Tayyab opined {that a} month-long time could be sufficient for the groups to organize for the Asian Games.
”One month is greater than a month that you’ll want to put together for a contest. And, I say this from a high-performance standpoint that a lot of the coaches are comfortable to be part of it. There is just one one that you can’t fulfill who has already made different plans.” ”If you assume that this Champions Trophy won’t assist, and all these six groups ought to keep at dwelling earlier than the Hangzhou Asian Games, I’m sorry to say that it’s going to not occur. Some of those sides will play even after the Champions Trophy, together with some Test matches.” ”So, I feel that is very nicely fitted for the preparation of the Asian Games. You are taking part in a lot of the primary rivals and aiming for a greater 2024 (Paris Olympics) qualifying place.” The current penalty nook rule has been up for debate these days and there have been speculations concerning tweaking the rule a bit.
When requested for the rationale behind it, Tayyab clarified that it was nonetheless in its trial stage and is especially being finished preserving in thoughts the gamers’ security.
”In the previous couple of years, we have been recommended that the velocity of the ball (through the present penalty nook system) is a bit uncontrolled. Also, contemplating the safety of the gamers and the protecting tools, it’s only a trial. Let this factor go on trial first. But, you’ll not see a shock factor on this,” Tayyab mentioned.
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated news company feed – PTI)
Source: www.news18.com
