New Delhi, Feb 27 – The Indian men's hockey team has attributed its strong performance in the FIH Pro League to a week-long training camp with Australian hockey legend Michael McCann. The camp, held in Bhubaneswar from February 6-12, introduced advanced techniques that enhanced India’s attacking game, helping them secure key victories.
Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Singh, India won five out of eight matches in the home leg, registering victories over top teams like Spain, Germany, and England in the return fixtures. The team also dominated Ireland, winning 3-1 and 4-0. With 15 points, India currently sits third on the league table, trailing England and Belgium with 16 points. Notably, India has the most wins in the tournament, outpacing England, Belgium, and fourth-placed Germany, each with four victories.
McCann’s Impact on India's Gameplay
McCann, a 2004 Olympic gold medalist and former Australian forward, has extensive coaching experience with Germany’s U21 and senior squads. His specialized training focused on goal-scoring techniques and striker movement, which the Indian players found highly beneficial.Experienced forward Mandeep Singh praised McCann's attention to detail, particularly in finishing techniques. "He emphasized basics inside the 'D', taking shots from two feet within the goal, and striker movements within the circle. His insights on deflections from the nine-yard mark and fake-passing techniques were invaluable," Mandeep said.
Chief coach Craig Fulton acknowledged the importance of the short but impactful camp, especially for young players. "Michael's presence before our Pro League matches was a great boost. His guidance, both on and off the field, was effective. We had one-hour off-field sessions where players interacted with him, which will help us prepare for the World Cup and Asian Games next year," said Fulton.
Looking Ahead: Key Tournaments on the Horizon
With India gearing up for the European leg of the Pro League in June, the Asia Cup later this year, and the World Cup in 2026, McCann’s training is expected to play a crucial role in refining the team’s finishing skills.Youngster Uttam Singh highlighted the importance of McCann's lessons in improving goal-scoring efficiency. "He taught us how to finish even when a full strike isn’t possible, positioning while receiving the ball, and reading the goalkeeper's movement before taking a shot. These details will benefit me in the long run," said Singh.
As India continues its Pro League campaign and prepares for major international tournaments, McCann’s tactical inputs are expected to give them an edge against top-ranked opponents.
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