With a bit of luck,we can do wonders in Olympics: Nobbs

Michael Nobbs says the team will not be going to London Olympics simply to make numbers.

They might not be in the same league of Australia and Holland but India coach Michael Nobbs is determined that his wards will not be going to the London Olympics simply to make numbers.

No one better than Nobbs knows the significance of the job at hand,and the Australian exuded confidence that his wards have the potential to recreate history provided lady luck smiles on them during the London Games.

“With a little bit of luck we can do wonders (in the Olympics). We are really a talented side but the boys need to have belief and absolute confidence in their abilities,” Nobbs said on the sidelines of a felicitation function organised by Hockey India,here today.

Story continues below this ad

HI today felicitated the 34 living legends Olympic gold medalists — of Indian hockey with a cash reward of Rs two lakh each from its coffers at a grand function,which also served as the send-off ceremony for the London Olympics-bound

team.

But Nobbs said for that to happen,the Indian players need to do away with their habit of committing silly mistakes against top sides like Australia,Germany and the Netherlands.

“To be among the top teams in the world again we need to play more against to sides. But unfortunately,we didn’t play enough against top teams (in the run up to the Olympics).

“The difference between a top side and an ordinary side is that a top team doesn’t make stupid mistakes,” he said.

Story continues below this ad

Just like Nobbs,India captain Bharat Chetri is also fully aware about the high stakes associated with an Olympic medal.