After guiding a new-look Indian team to the final of the 17th Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament, coach Ajay Kumar Bansal was happy with the fighting spirit displayed by his young wards.

“We had juniors who did not have much match practice. Add to it the players who joined from Australia. They were understandably exhausted. But the way they performed, I am sure they can walk with their heads held high,” Bansal told mediapersons here.

The coach’s face lit up when he was asked about India’s performance against Argentina in the final. “This team has played far above its strength. Argentina was a much stronger and experienced team,” he stated. “We lost the final but I have no regrets because of the way my boys fought throughout the match.

“I was given the job as a challenge. I am happy I could give a reasonable result,” he added.

Pat for Sandeep
Praising drag-flicker Sandeep Singh, who superbly marshalled the Indian defence throughout the tournament, Bansal rubbished allegations that the sturdy defender has an attitude problem.

“If someone, having played the Olympics, is willing to camp with juniors ahead of a major tournament and then give his best on field throughout the event, I don’t see him having an attitude problem,” he asserted. “In fact, I played him as a fullback all through. He did well and I feel he has improved a lot as a defender.”