Confident Indian hockey team leaves for Spain

New Delhi, Nov 22: Putting behind all controversies, the Indian men's hockey team Sunday left for a week's camp in Spain to prepare for the Champions Challenge in Argentina from Dec 6.

Coach Jose Brasa looked confident and said his boys have trained well to win the Champions Challenge and qualify for the Champions Trophy.

"The boys are improving every day. They are well motivated and it is very heartening to see that India has players, who are committed to take the country among the best," said Brasa on the sidelines of the unveiling of the 2010 World Cup logo.

The Spaniard said that during the camp in Pune's Balewadi Sports Complex, the team had focused on new techniques with the World Cup in mind.

"During the camp we have focused on the World Cup. At this point of time we are experimenting with ways of attacking from the circle, understanding between two players and their moves," he said.

Brasa also said that news of differences between the players and the coach during the camp were all lies.

"News about revolt in the team were all lies. I don't know where it came from. There is an excellent camaraderie between the players. My experience with the team has been fine because I am working with a motivated group of boys, who are keen to learn. India is fortunate to have a big group of players," he said.

Newly appointed captain Rajpal Singh also dismissed reports of differences between the coach and players.

"We have a very good relation with the coach (Brasa). we are very much comfortable with him both on and off the field," he said.

On Rajpal, Brasa said: "I have full faith in him. We have more than one captain in the earlier tournament (in Canada) as per our rotational policy. And all the coaches decided that Rajpal is the best to lead the team."

Rajpal also said that leading the team in the Champions Challenge will be a great opportunity for him.

"It is very important tournament for us as the winner will qualify for the Champions Trophy. We have been experimenting a lot during the training camp. By now, the players have adjusted to the new techniques we tried out in the camp. But we will miss Sandeep Singh," he said.

India will open their Champions Challenge campaign against New Zealand Dec 6 before taking on strong contenders China (Dec 8) and Belgium (Dec 10).