Hockey eves face tough task

"We require the good wishes of the country," a coach attached with the Indian women's hockey team said prior to the team left for the Olympic qualifiers at Kazan, Russia. Apart from the good wishes, the side also requires large dollops of luck and pluck to overcome the odds and pip a side like United States which ranks above India in the world order. The Americans rank 11th to India's 13th. The difference may not be much, but it's a known fact that development of the game has come to a near standstill in the past compared to foreign teams which have progressed by leaps and bounds in the period. Though chief coach Maharaj Kishen Kaushik and Co. have tried their best in the given possible time, but the chances of qualifying for the Olympics can at best be termed 'remote'. According to an insider, the team is also struggling with injuries to some of their key players like skipper Mamta Kharab and drag-flicker Jasjeet Kaur. Unless the two attain prime form and fitness before the opening match against hosts Russia on April 19, it will be quite an arduous campaign for the side. More Details>>