Azlan Shah Hockey: Coach Paul van Ass Thrilled With India's Chance to Win Medal

It is almost been a month since Dutchman Paul van Ass took over the reigns as the national coach of the Indian hockey team after the controversial ouster of Australian Terry Walsh just after the Incheon Asian Games.(India Stun Australia 4-2)

And after guiding India to the bronze-medal play-off, he is a happy man, waiting for his first medal with the Indian team.(India's Hero Nikkin Thimmaiah)

"I can say that it has been an interesting one month in India. After the last two matches, we are back in the game and shown once again that we can play hockey. We have got a chance for the medal, which is great," he said.

"But, I can't speak Hindi, not even a little bit. I have not yet got the time to learn it," the coach admits.

On the Azlan Shah tournament, which is his first with the team, he says he is satisfied with the performance so far. But, he is still not looking at the Azlan Shah to judge India's chances in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

"We got a year up and the summer for shaping up the team. We are already there at the Olympics. For me, the real test in World League. That will be realistic. Until now, I can say let's take pride in what we do," the coach added.

India has often been haunted with the late goals and cracking up in the pressure situation. But, the Dutchman says it is not a worry.

"Pressure always plays a role in high performance. There is nothing to worry about it. We are improving."