Australia hockey legend Livermore feels the league will revive hockey in India
Australia hockey legend Livermore feels the league will revive hockey in India
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Brent James Livermore, who captained Australia to the 2004 Athens Olympic gold medal, feels World Series Hockeyu00a0 (WSH) will revive India's national sport that has seen a decline since the team failed to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
"In the last decade, Indian hockey has dropped off a bit. However, WSH will revive the sport in the country.
The potential, and skill levels, of individual players here, is really good. They play with passion and their ball control is amazing," Livermore told MiD DAY during the launch of the league, which will feature 176 internationals from India and other countries. The inaugural edition of WSH, organised by the Indian Hockey Federation, will have eight city-based teams, and will be held from December 15 to January 22.u00a0 The New South Wales-born midfielder, who will mentor junior Indian players during WSH, feels the league is the perfect platform for senior players to cash in ahead of the Olympic qualifiers. "Since the WSH will have intense competition, this could be the opportunity the Indian players should look to take in their stride," said Livermore.
The 35-year-old lauded the appointment of new India coach Michael Nobbs: "Michael is trying to take them (India) to the next level. A new coach usually brings fresh feelings and ideas. He has different strategies that should get the team the needed results. But, India's qualification for the Olympics cannot be assured."
Livermore praised India's Dhanraj Pillay for being a role model for aspiring youngsters. "I played against Dhanraj in the Sydney Olympics, and many others who are still part of the current Indian team. Dhanraj is a great player, a role model for many players here," he said.
Meanwhile, Livermore is optimistic of making Australia's London Olympics squad despite that national coach Ric Charlesworth is looking to invest in youth.
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