Main objective — avoid early setbacks: Mukesh

Singles out the experienced Sreejesh as the player to watch out for

India needs to play fearless hockey even while displaying the typical Asian skills to be in with a chance of winning a medal in the Tokyo Olympics, N. Mukesh Kumar, who holds the Games record of scoring the fastest goal — 32 seconds against Australia in the 2000 Sydney edition — said. “India is in a tough group. The main objective should be to avoid early setbacks or else it would have a demoralising effect,” he said in a chat with The Hindu on Monday. “Olympics is a different proposition altogether in terms of pressure and expectations.” Mukesh singled out goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh as the player to watch out for because of his experience, class and confidence. “He is such an inspirational figure in the team,” he added.