“In the last couple of years, we have proved to the world that India is back on the hockey map. We are number five in the world but by the end of the year,we want to be in top 3,” said Harendra. “The Asian Games is the first step towards achieving that goal. We want to have a shot at the podium in 2020 Tokyo and the Asian Games will set the tone for our preparation towards that.” 

Harendra, who took over the reigns of the senior men’s national team for a fourth time in May this year, wants his wards to create a legacy by the end of 2018 and, according to him, the Asiad is the first step towards attaining that. “2018 is a very important year for us and I want this team to create a legacy by the end of the year. I want this team to be remembered for what it achieved on the pitch,” said the master tactician, under whose tutelage India broke a 15-year jinx by lifting the Junior World Cup in 2016.

The coach said India will settle for nothing less than defending its title at the Games, but admitted it is easier said than done. “We can’t think of anything less than a gold. It is not acceptable. But we have to prove ourselves on the pitch in each and every match,” Harendra said. “A gold here will make us the first team to qualify for the 2020 Olympics and we will get one year and 11 months to prepare ourselves.”