Impressed with Indian hockey's revival in the last decade, former coach Jose Brasa says the ongoing men's World Cup is the country's best chance to win the trophy and end a 43-year wait.
Hosts India started their campaign with a 5 -0 drubbing of South Africa on Wednesday in Bhubaneshwar, and are gearing up to play third ranked Belgium on Sunday and Canada on December 8.
Maintaining consistency will be the key though, according to him.
"It will be easier for India to win the gold medal in this World Cup in front of its audience than any other medal. India is now a team that could win any gold medal in any major tournament, but at the same time they are not always assured of a podium finish," Brasa told PTI Bhasha from Liege, Belgium, where he is coaching a club team.
"They have to maintain consistency. Of course India is amongst the best with Australia, Belgium, Holland and let's not forget Germany. India is in the top group of best teams, but it is also the team that could lose an easy match."
"In the first match India did well in patches. After scoring two early goals they seemed to relax. Conceding four penalty corners in such an easy match was unbelievable and they should not repeat this against big teams."
"Having Belgium in the group is not a problem. Naturally, with the new system of competition, it is better to top the group because you play a game less and you arrive more rested to the quarterfinals."
"India is also the country with the largest budget for hockey."
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