Jan 12, 2020
HE MIGHT have hung his hockey stick more than a decade ago and now trades his tricks with a tennis racquet, but three-time Olympian Mervyn Fernandes’ heart still beats for his first love.
The Moscow Olympic gold winning forward feels that the Pro League Hockey Tournament, to be held at Bhubaneswar next week, will be a good preparation for Indian hockey team ahead of 2020 Tokyo Olympics later this year.
Eagerly waiting for his doubles match at the CP Club Tennis Court, Fernandes took out time for ‘The Hitavada’ on a pleasant Saturday afternoon.
“It will be a great tournament (Pro League) for us before the Olympics. Playing with a higher ranked team will definitely help us in preparing for the Tokyo event,” said Fernandes.
India will be playing two matches in the Pro League tournament against world Number 3 The Netherlands on January 18 and 19.
Fernandes felt that it was a good move to play top ranked teams before major tournament. “Earlier this (playing stronger teams) was not there. But now Hockey India has made it sure we play top teams of the world. This will definitely help us in future,” felt Fernandes who has played three Olympics — 1980 (Moscow), 1984 (Los Angeles) and 1988 (Seoul).
“It will be two good matches against the Netherlands. I am sure Manpreet Singh-led side will give a tough fight to the Dutch team.
“Our fitness level has improved leaps and bounds and players are much fitter nowadays. This will help us in future tournaments, including Tokyo games,” added Fernandes, a 1992 Arjuna Award winner.
The former Indian forward said at present all the top 10 teams are excellent and can’t be taken for granted.
“All the top 10 ranked teams including Australia, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, France, Germany and even New Zealand are very tough. We can’t take any team for granted. All are capable of creating upsets. But I am sure India will definitely perform well,” hoped Fernandes.
Fernandes accepted that the Indian team has a habit of conceding goals in dying moments but was optimistic it will be changed soon.
“Yes, we have lost many crucial matches in major tournaments by conceding goals in the dying moments. Those minute lapses cost us match from strong position,” he added. “But I am sure that will change in coming years.”
On Hockey India’s recent diktat of One State One Unit, Fernandes said only players will suffer.
Mumbai Hockey Association Ltd and Vidarbha Hockey Association will have to merge with Hockey Maharashtra if Hockey India remains firm on its stand.
“What is the purpose? Only players will suffer. You have to see the effect first. They say, state team will become more stronger. But I think it will not be the case. Some good players would not get selected and that would be harsh on them. We don’t want voting rights but we want our players to play and get national certificates,” he concluded.
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