CT a dress rehearsal for Rio: Sreejesh

It is ironic that in their bid to turn things around in Rio, the Indian hockey team return to the place where it all went wrong for them four years ago. The 2012 London Games — where they finished 12th and last in their worst showing in the Olympic history — would be the last thing on their minds as the squad head to London for the prestigious Champions Trophy (June 10 to 17).

This will be followed by a six-nation tournament in Valencia (June 26 to July 3) — their final assignment before the Rio Games — and skipper P.R. Sreejesh feels that it will help them “ gauge their true worth”.

Sreejesh believes the tournaments will “a dress rehearsal for Rio and help them prepare better as they will be playing back-to-back matches”.

“Much like the Rio format, we will play matches on consecutive days (in these events) and it will test our physical and mental strength. If we have to do well in Rio, we will need to beat one of the top-four ranked teams, and facing them in the Champions Trophy is a perfect opportunity,” the goalkeeper said.

“This will be a test for us and we have to play tough hockey. Technically and tactically, we have to be at the top of our game. If we win, it will add to our self belief and if we lose, it gives us a chance to assess ourselves and make changes.”

Coach Roelant Oltmans says the team have reached a stage where every day and every hour counts.

“From now on, it is only about getting better,” says Oltmans as the 18-member team left for London on Sunday night.

“The Champions Trophy is an elite event and of course everybody’s complete focus is now on Rio. We are stepping into a competitive environment and now it’s time to further fine-tune every aspect.

“Through these two tournaments, we have to make sure that we are playing according to our game plan, that is one of the most crucial aspect. The Champions Trophy is an important tournament and a medal would be great but in between all this, we have other smaller aims,” said Oltmans.

“It gives us a chance to analyse the opponents’ strengths and weaknesses and sharpen our own plans.

“These are the last set of competitive matches before Rio and we have to work out various things around them.”

India have rested regular skipper Sardar Singh and defender Rupinderpal Singh, while forward Ramandeep Singh too has been given a break.

“Yes, we will make a few more changes for the Valencia event before taking a call on the final 16 for the Rio Games,” Oltmans said.

India open their campaign against Germany on June 10, followed by matches against Great Britain (June 11), Belgium (June 13), Korea (June 14) and Australia (June 16).