Viren Rasquinha, the former captain of the Indian hockey team, has emphasized the critical need for a strong defensive strategy if India aims for success at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. He pointed out the team’s tendency to concede too many penalty corners, particularly in recent matches against Australia and in the FIH Pro League. Rasquinha stressed that defense starts from the forwards and every player must contribute to a collective defensive effort. “Once you lose possession of the ball, every single player starting with the forward becomes the first line of defence,” he explained during a panel discussion organized by the Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai. Rasquinha acknowledged the tough pool that India has been placed in for the Olympics, which includes the defending champion Belgium, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, and Ireland. In light of this, he believes the responsibility for success rests heavily on the experienced goalkeeper P. R. Sreejesh and captain Harmanpreet Singh. “You cannot win tournaments without a solid defence and a sensational keeper,” he stated. “A lot of, I would say, the burden on the shoulders of Sreejesh and the defence set by Harmanpreet to keep it really tight.” While predicting that India has the potential to reach the quarterfinals, Rasquinha acknowledged the formidable opponents they could face in the later stages, including Holland, Germany, Spain, and Great Britain. “One of these teams is going to meet in the quarterfinals. Irrespective of what position you are (in), it’s going to be a very, very tough quarter-final match…” Rasquinha expressed his satisfaction with the 16-member squad selected for the Paris Olympics, emphasizing the importance of coach Craig Fulton having his preferred team. He highlighted the subjective nature of hockey, unlike cricket, where there are fewer statistical indicators. The former captain’s insights underscore the importance of a strong defensive foundation for India’s ambitions in Paris, relying heavily on the experience of Sreejesh and the leadership of Harmanpreet Singh. The upcoming tournament will be a true test for the team’s ability to overcome their defensive vulnerabilities and compete at the highest level.
India Needs to Tighten Defence for Paris Olympics Success: Former Captain Viren Rasquinha
