New Delhi, May 12: Chief coach Rajinder Singh Monday defended the controversial experimentation with the national hockey team just a few months before the Olympics saying it has broadened the pool of players, who can represent the country in major competitions.
Rajinder is in charge of an 18-member 'experimental' team -- consisting of 13 members of the junior Asia Cup winning side -- that left for Japan yesterday to play in a four-nation tournament.
"It will be a big test for the youngsters. We may pick three to four players from the team for the olympics. And for others it would be a huge experience and will come in handy in the junior World Cup," Rajinder told reporters at the national stadium where the team is training.
"We are grooming them for the future and these experimentations will broaden our players' pool."
He said not much should be read into India's performance while the team continues its experimentation.


"Not much emphasis should be given on win or loss while we continue the experimentation. They are secondary. Our main focus is on preparing a winning combination," he said.


"We must give youngsters more chance by making them play such tournaments. They should play at the highest level against tough opponents. It will be a test of their strength, their mental toughness and their attutude.


"They have build up the confidence and now its our turn to sustain it by giving them more and more opportunities."

Bureau Report