Kuala Lumpur, Sept 25: Star forward Gagan Ajit Singh today promised to make up for his lacklustre performance so far in the sixth Asia Cup hockey tournament and assured the team management that he would give more than 100 per cent to see that India make it to the final. During India's final league match against Pakistan yesterday the forward line, more prominently Gagan Ajit, missed a number of chances which proved detrimental as India suffered a 4-2 defeat at the hands of their arch rivals to finish second in pool B.
Indian coach Rajinder Singh conceded that Gagan has been off-colour in the tournament and did appear "upset". "I had a talk with him this morning. He seems to be upset," Rajinder Singh said without revealing what might be the reason for the usually chirpy Punjab forward to feel down.
"But he has promised to make up in the semi-final tomorrow and has said he will give more that his 100 per cent to see India are through," Rajinder Singh said.
The usually prolific Gagan has managed just three goals in India's three matches so far. The form of their forwards is crucial from India's point of view as South Korea, their semi-final opponents, will leave no stone unturned to check them in order to move to the final and complete a hat-trick of Asia Cup victories.
The coach said "physical and mental co-ordination" of the Indian forwards was lacking and not much could be done "if the forwards were unable to score even with the ball lying in front of them".
"The forwards also seem to be lacking in confidence. We are trying to sort all that out today," he said. Bureau Report