In step with the foundations, the staff clinching the gold medal within the continental tournament will earn an automated berth within the prestigious quadrennial extravaganza. On the other hand, for alternative countries, the trail to qualification comes to collaborating within the qualifiers, with Pakistan and Spain being the recognized venues for this an important degree.
“We will be trying to get the job done in Hangzhou. But, if for some reason, we fail to qualify, then there are a couple of venues that have been identified for the qualifiers – Pakistan and Spain. So, wherever it happens, we will definitely go,” he stated all through a media interplay at the eve of the event on Wednesday.
Travelling to Pakistan calls for executive clearance and it’s there to be noticeable what’s going to be the centre’s stance in case the condition calls for that the nationwide hockey staff is had to move to Pakistan to play games the qualifiers.
When weighed upon if the avid gamers had been risking themselves to shock via enjoying Asian Champions Trophy, simply weeks earlier than heading to China, Tirkey stated that one can pick out up niggles even all through coaching or warm-up video games.
“The most important thing to note is that we play practice matches before every major event. Don’t we have the fear of getting injured then? So, I think we should take this event on a positive note as a medium of preparation, and it is also a competitive event.”
“There is still quite some time, over a month, left for the preparations for the Asian Games. Injuries can happen even during practice matches. So, I don’t think we should be too bothered by it and focus on delivering our best here.”
Chennai is witnessing the go back of aggressive world hockey for the primary occasion in 16 years.
When Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Early life Welfare and Sports activities Building Udhayanidhi Stalin was once requested about it, he stated, “One of the main reasons was that after the (Men’s) World Cup (earlier this year), I requested to the International Hockey Federation (FIH) that we have a very good stadium here and that we want to bring the international event here. And I want to thank them.”
Replying to the similar query, Asian Hockey Federation CEO Mohammad Tayyab Ikram got here up with a funny answer.
“As to why it took so long for Chennai to have international hockey was that we were waiting for this dynamic leader (Udhayanidhi) to come over to us. And, as to why now is because he is here,” he stated in jest.
Tirkey additionally unfolded at the subject and remarked, “For the past few years, a few cities are being developed into high-profile hockey centres, including Odisha, which has the best facilities right now. Earlier, quite some Indian cities used to be prime hockey centres with championship matches and tournaments, which also included Chennai.”
“I have myself featured in some of the competitions in Chennai. So, our focus has been on reviving the former hockey centres of India. Chennai had a lot of craze in terms of hockey back at the time and we will always aim to make things better here with the help of the Tamil Nadu government.”
Issues had been as soon as once more raised in regard to the scheduling of the contest simply 5 weeks earlier than the Hangzhou Video games. On the other hand, Tayyab opined {that a} month-long occasion could be plenty for the groups to arrange for the Asian Video games.
“One month is more than a month that you need to prepare for a competition. And, I say this from a high-performance point of view that most of the coaches are happy to be a part of it. There is only one person who you cannot satisfy who has already made other plans.”
“If you think that this Champions Trophy will not help, and all these six teams should stay at home before the Hangzhou Asian Games, I’m sorry to say that it will not happen. Some of these sides will play even after the Champions Trophy, including some Test matches.”
“So, I think this is very well fitted for the preparation of the Asian Games. You are playing most of the main competitors and aiming for a better 2024 (Paris Olympics) qualifying position.”
The prevailing penalty nook rule has been up for debate in recent times and there were speculations referring to tweaking the rule of thumb somewhat.
When requested for the reason at the back of it, Tayyab clarified that it was once nonetheless in its trial degree and is basically being finished conserving in thoughts the avid gamers’ protection.
“In the last few years, we were suggested that the speed of the ball (during the current penalty corner system) is a bit out of control. Also, considering the protection of the players and the protective equipment, it is just a trial. Let this thing go on trial first. But, you will not see a surprise element in this,” Tayyab stated.
(With PTI Inputs)
