The Young Tigers’ Defeat: A Lesson in Endurance and Perseverance
Tackling the Physical Challenge
JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 24 – The physical advantage of the Great Britain team was one of the factors that contributed to the Young Tigers’ 1-2 defeat in the Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) 2024 International Hockey Championship at Johor Hockey Stadium last night.
Head Coach’s Perspective
Head coach I. Vikneswaran attributed the team’s loss to their aggressive approach to the game, which was met with a physical style of play by the Great Britain team. "We had a physical match and used every angle to score, and that’s what happened (defeat)," he said.
European Style of Play
Vikneswaran also noted that the European style of play was a new experience for the team, which added to their challenges. "The European style of play is also different, which may be something new for them, and we take this as an experience," he said.
Fitness and Tactic
In terms of fitness, the players were uninjured, and the team tried to attack and score goals rather than just defend. Vikneswaran emphasized the importance of physical fitness in hockey, stating, "In terms of fitness, the players were uninjured, and we tried to attack and score goals rather than just defend."
Preparing for the Junior World Cup
Despite being out of contention for a podium finish, Vikneswaran decided to make the best use of the remaining match against Australia tomorrow. "This is one of the opportunities for our squad to play against them (Australia) as preparation for the Junior World Cup, and the countries competing (in SOJC) are world-class," he said.
Lessons Learned
Throughout the tournament, the team has played in a certain way and tried to upskill while under pressure. Although they may not have achieved their desired results, Vikneswaran emphasized the importance of patience and perseverance. "As much as we want to succeed and achieve something, we have to be patient (despite the defeat)," he said.
SOJC Standings
India leads the SOJC standings, followed by New Zealand, Australia, Great Britain, and Japan, with the Young Tigers sitting at the bottom without earning any points after four matches.
Conclusion
The Young Tigers’ defeat serves as a valuable lesson in endurance and perseverance. Despite the challenges they face, the team can take away important lessons from their experiences and use them to improve their gameplay. As they prepare for the Junior World Cup, Vikneswaran’s squad will look to bounce back from their disappointing performance and make a strong statement in the world of hockey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What were the key factors that contributed to the Young Tigers’ defeat?
A: The physical advantage of the Great Britain team, European style of play, and the team’s aggressive approach to the game.
Q: How will the team approach their remaining match against Australia?
A: The team will make the best use of the opportunity to play against Australia as preparation for the Junior World Cup and to upskill under pressure.
Q: What are the Young Tigers’ chances of turning their performance around?
A: The team can use this experience to improve their gameplay and make a strong finish in the remaining matches.