New Delhi, Sept 03: Indian hockey coach Rajinder Singh today admitted the injury to penalty corner specialist Jugraj Singh was a "big blow" to the side ahead of the Asia Cup later this month but said the team had the resilience to overcome the setback. "We will badly miss him during Asia Cup," Rajinder Singh told pti as he prepared to travel to Jalandhar to be by the side of the star hockey player who is admitted in a hospital with multiple injuries suffered in a car crash late last night at Dakoh in Jalandhar district.
The Asia Cup is slated to be held in Kuala Lumpur from September 21 to 28.
"We will have to carry on with the task at hand and pray that he recovers soon," the former hockey Olympian said.
While conceding that the balance of the team would be affected by the non-availability of the 21-year-old full-back, Rajinder Singh said he had not yet given a thought on the changes that would have to be made.
"We are more concerned right now about his well being. The other things can wait," the coach said.
"I spoke to him over the phone before he was to undergo surgery and he appeared determined to return to action soon," Rajinder Singh said.
Jugraj Singh, who impressed by his speed and stick-work at the recent Champions Trophy in Holland, has been a pivotal figure in defence ever since he graduated to the senior side by virtue of his performance in India's title-winning junior World Cup campaign in 2001.
Bureau Report