India hockey team skipper Manpreet Singh said that his team is eyeing nothing less than a gold medal at the next month’s Commonwealth Games after settling for silver twice in the last two editions in Delhi and Glasgow.
“We are looking at nothing less than a Gold Medal at the CWG. We have lost two consecutive Finals in the previous editions to Australia but this time we want to aim for a better colour of medal,” said Manpreet before leaving alongwith the team for Gold Coast yesterday.
“The team went through an intense preparation camp with focus on specific areas that required improvement. Now it will be all about executing the plans we have against each team to perfection and remain consistent throughout the tournament,” asserted the 25-year-old midfielder.
The Manpreet led side will start their campaign in a pool B encounter against arch-rivals Pakistan on April 7. Malaysia, Wales and England are the other three side in the pool.
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Crammed with confidence, the Indian women’s hockey teams also left for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games beginning on April 4. Both the teams received a warm send-off from Hockey India officials, friends and family members of the players who were present at the IGI Airport, New Delhi.
Commonwealth Games is the first major tournament in a packed hockey calendar including champions trophy, world cup and Asian games. A good performance in CWG will build the right momentum for both the teams
The Indian women’s side led by Rani Rampal will begin their campaign against Wales on April 5.
“I don’t think any team is easy to beat. Every match will be challenging but to begin with a victory will be ideal. We are going for the CWG as serious contenders for a Medal. We are hungry to win and build on our reputation as Asian Champions,” Rani said.
“We have left no stone unturned in our preparations and have worked on every area that has bothered us in the past. Both men and women’s team was in Delhi on Monday and Tuesday prior to our departure so some of us had the opportunity of meeting our family members. Now our excitement has doubled and we carry the good wishes of the entire nation.” she added
The Women’s Team is grouped in Pool A along with Wales, Malaysia and South Africa.
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