India can push any team in Rio: Somaya

Triple Olympian M.M. Somaya believes India will be serious contenders at the Rio Olympics though they will face a tough challenge from the quarter-finals.

Somaya, who was a member of the squad that won gold at the 1980 Moscow Summer Games, believes current coach Roelant Oltmans has transformed the team completely.

“We are fortunate to be ranked no. 5 in the world and it is a great achievement. Our recent performance at the Champions Trophy was outstanding. We last won bronze (in CT) 34 years ago. I never imagined we could win silver.

“India have a tight schedule (at the Games) starting from August 6. But India have a favourable draw (in Pool B) and the current format suits them. From the quarters, it is anyone’s game,” Somaya who captained India in the 1988 Olympics said at the Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai Golden Jubilee celebration launch here on Friday.

“Australia are favourites and have plenty of experienced players. Germany do well in the Olympics and Holland are a good team. Argentina and Belgium also are doing well. But if India remain true to our form, they will be serious contenders and can push any team. There will be less pressure on hockey players as we have many medal contenders in other sports unlike in our days,” he added.

Somaya praised Oltmans for changing the fortunes of the team. “The coach seems to have worked well. Oltmans is one of the best in the business. He’s got the understanding right and has the changed style of play,” he said.