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The cup of injury woes seems to be brimming over for the Indian men’s hockey team which is girding its loins for the upcoming 9th Asia Cup in Ipoh.
The national team, which is replete with a raft of youngsters and wears quite an inexperienced look thanks to injuries to four key forwards – Gurwinder Singh Chandi. SV Sunil, Danish Mujtaba and Akashdeep Singh – were dealt a setback of sorts just days before the tournament begins, with captain Sardar Singh being hospitalised due to a throat infection, and who could be a doubtful starter for the team’s opening game against Oman on Saturday.
Although the team management is not saying anything about Sardar’s availability for the August 24 tournament opener, it is quite possible that the team management may see no harm in giving him adequate rest, since India is expected to stroll over Oman even without his services.
According to team sources, the Indian skipper experienced some pain in his throat and thought it was a minor problem, but subsequently, had running fever and was admitted to the Ipoh Specialist Centre on Monday.
In all probability, the team management should be more than happy if Sardar is fully fit for the August 26 crunch game against defending champions Korea. India will need Sardar’s experience on the pitch and a win over the Asian giants can help the team to top the Group.
The star midfielder has nearly a week or so to be fit as a fiddle for that match.
India’s last league tie is against minnows Bangladesh on August 28.
On paper, India look good to make it to the semifinals along with Korea, although upsets are always possible.
The 27-year-old, touted as the one of the world’s best centre-halfs around, clearly has a battle against time as he gears up to spearhead the country’s challenge in the Ipoh event and help them win it, and in the process earn a 2014 World Cup berth, although various mathematical permutations and combinations do indicate that the Blueshirts still stand a World Cup qualifying chance even if they don’t win the Asia Cup.
Counting on permutations and combinations is bit like leaving things to chance and the Roelant Oltmans-coached side would like to do things which are in their control – play a good brand of hockey and win the Asia Cup!
