In accordance with the foundations, the group clinching the gold medal within the continental occasion will earn an automated berth within the prestigious quadrennial extravaganza. Nonetheless, for different nations, the trail to qualification includes collaborating within the qualifiers, with Pakistan and Spain being the recognized venues for this important stage.
“We might be making an attempt to get the job carried out in Hangzhou. However, if for some purpose, 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 match on Wednesday.
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 had been risking themselves to damage by enjoying Asian Champions Trophy, simply weeks earlier than heading to China, Tirkey mentioned that one can choose up niggles even throughout coaching or warm-up video games.
“A very powerful factor to notice is that we play apply matches earlier than each main occasion. Do not we have now the worry of getting injured then? So, I believe we must always take this occasion on a constructive notice as a medium of preparation, and additionally it is a aggressive occasion.”
“There’s nonetheless fairly a while, over a month, left for the preparations for the Asian Video games. Accidents can occur even throughout apply matches. So, I do not assume we ought to 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 activities Improvement Udhayanidhi Stalin was requested about it, he mentioned, “One of many most important causes was that after the (Males’s) World Cup (earlier this 12 months), I requested to the Worldwide Hockey Federation (FIH) that we have now an excellent stadium right here and that we wish to carry 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 had been ready for this dynamic chief (Udhayanidhi) to come back 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, a couple of cities are being developed into high-profile hockey centres, together with Odisha, which has the most effective amenities proper now. Earlier, fairly some Indian cities was 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 a variety of craze by way of hockey again on the time and we are going to all the time intention to make issues higher right here with the assistance of the Tamil Nadu authorities.”
Considerations had been as soon as once more raised in regard to the scheduling of the competitors simply 5 weeks earlier than the Hangzhou Video games. Nonetheless, Tayyab opined {that a} month-long time can be sufficient for the groups to organize for the Asian Video games.
“One month is greater than a month that it’s worthwhile to put together for a contest. And, I say this from a high-performance viewpoint that many of the coaches are glad to be part of it. There is just one one that you can not fulfill who has already made different plans.”
“If you happen to assume that this Champions Trophy won’t assist, and all these six groups ought to keep at house earlier than the Hangzhou Asian Video games, I am sorry to say that it’s going to not occur. A few of these sides will play even after the Champions Trophy, together with some Check matches.”
“So, I believe that is very properly fitted for the preparation of the Asian Video games. You might be enjoying many of the most important rivals and aiming for a greater 2024 (Paris Olympics) qualifying place.”
The prevailing 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 carried out maintaining in thoughts the gamers’ security.
“In the previous few years, we had been steered that the pace of the ball (in the course of the present penalty nook system) is a bit uncontrolled. Additionally, contemplating the safety of the gamers and the protecting tools, it’s only a trial. Let this factor go on trial first. However, you’ll not see a shock ingredient on this,” Tayyab mentioned.
(With PTI Inputs)
