Tokyo Olympics: Here's what Indian hockey coach Graham Reid says about the team's mindset

The Indian hockey team is without an Olympic medal since 1984. However, head coach Graham Reid is determined to end the jinx of the once-dominant force in Olympic hockey. Meanwhile, here's what he has to say about the team's mindset.

The Indian hockey team has been in a sorry state in the Olympics since 1984. The once-powerhouse of world hockey that won eight gold medals in the tournament now struggles to make a similar impact.

However, Indian head coach Graham Reid is determined to bring the old aura and glory back. He has backed the team's mental resilience for a medal-winning performance during the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

"I think it's probably one of the most important things right now. We had a pretty tough 16 months. No one has been spared from quarantine. It's unprecedented, but I am pleased with how this group has handled things in the last 15-16 months. I always tell them that don't underestimate the power of the things we went through together, and this will hold us in good stead for what's ahead," he told PTI.

"...if you prepare well for an exam, then you are much more confident when you go into the exam. They had those experiences so that they can draw parallels from them. It's about understanding that you need to draw on those experiences when the chips are down when they are in the battle. I can do this because I have done it before," he added.

Reid reckoned that the team has made enough sacrifices in the past few years. However, he has backed it to get inspired by those sacrifices and convert it into a medal-winning performance.

"I talk a lot about zooming out and zooming in and zooming out is about looking at the big picture, and the big picture is yes, absolutely, we see ourselves standing on the podium in Tokyo. Sacrifices are one of the things that stands successful people apart; they are prepared to forego gains for something better down the track," he concluded.

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