Despite being the best side as according to FIH rankings and entering as favorites for Gold in the Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang, India failed to deliver up to the mark and break hearts of millions of fans who were expecting the Boys in Blue to return back home with Gold and secure an Olympic spot.

PR Sreejesh led side that performed brilliantly well in the Champions Trophy in Breda, the Netherlands securing second place finish, failed to add another feather in their run after they were sent packing by Malaysia in the semifinal of the recently concluded Asian Games.

The side that started on a high note by scoring record 76 goals in the group stage, failed to settle down last minute hiccups in the crucial moments of last four clash and conceded in the very last minute of the match, which eventually they lost after in the sudden death.

Speaking about the team’s performance on the sidelines of felicitation ceremony organized by Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Sunday for the medal-winning athletes in the Jakarta –Palembang games, former skipper Manpreet Singh says that the side didn’t play as according to their capability which was a disappointment.

“The loss against Malaysia in semifinal even when we were leading lead till the last quarter was very heartbreaking. We didn’t play that game up to the mark and we all are very disappointed. We could have done better and won that match but unfortunately, that wasn’t our day.”

The 26-year-old, however, said that the team is learning from the mistakes and will try to perform better in the upcoming events.

“We are trying to analyze all the aspects and try to find out where we went wrong. Our performance there is now a part of history which we cannot change. But our aim now is to focus entirely on the upcoming tournaments and do better and try not to repeat the previous mistakes.”

Talking about the upcoming challenges, Manpreet said that the side is currently training in the national camp in Bhubneshwar for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy in Mascot, Oman which is scheduled to take place from 18th to 28th October.

Defending champions India will compete against traditional rivals Pakistan, South Korea, Malaysia, Asian Games Gold medallist Japan and hosts Oman in the six nations tourney. While the World Cup will take place in Bhubneshwar later at the end of this year.

“The upcoming next two tournaments (Asian Champions Trophy and World Cup) are very important for us. In Asian Champions trophy we have the same opponents which we have faced during the Asian Games and then we have to play World Cup on our home turf.”

“Both of the tournaments are very important for us and the only thing which is there in our mind to do our best and no matter whosoever we play, it’s just to give our best and win matches.”

It’s been observed that the side’s defense fails at crunch moments which has been the cause of worry for a while, but Manpreet doesn’t really agree with the fact.

“Though we lose few close matches in the last moment but still I think hockey is a team game and it’s not that one particular area is not doing well. We are working on our defense. We have tried not to concede too many penalty corners in the entire course of the tournament. So it’s not particularly just defense that’s the problem.”

“It’s a team sport where performance as a unit matters more than individual. So it’s not about pointing a finger towards one rather take it in a positive way and imply on the lessons learned.”

Reflecting about the World Cup vision, the star player said that the side is excited for the big one and is not taking any sort of undue pressure.

“The World Cup is obviously the big tournament and we are excited to play in front of our home crowd which is obviously going to be an advantage but there’s no pressure of expectations. The strategy is to focus on a match by match and win against any opponent.

The decision of appointing Harendra Singh as the national coach for men’s team was welcomed by many seniors’ players including Sardar Singh who previously said that having an Indian coach provides more stability to the team because of his better understanding of Hockey culture in the country.

The player who was handed the side’s leadership in 2016 also shares the same view and said that Harendra’s previous experience with players has been a great help.

“The advantage with Harendra Singh is that almost all the team members have played with before and have spent enough time with him, he is amongst the top coaches and is very serious and dedicated for his work. “

“Almost all the senior players have played with him and have shared dressing room experience, so that’s why we are more comfortable with him.”

Speaking about former skipper and ace midfielder Sardar Singh’s announcement of bidding goodbye after serving for 12 years at top level. The star said that the side’s entire focus is to fill the void left after his departure which is going to be a major challenge.

“Sardar was the very much experienced players and we share a lot of good memories with him. But since how we have not much time left over for next big games, so our aim is to just fill the void left by him as soon as possible which ultimately is going to be much helpful for the team to strike a proper balance.”