Lithgow hockey export Lachi Sharp is training hard with the Kookaburras as they prepare for the FIH Hockey Pro League double-header this weekend.
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The reigning men's champions will take on hosts India at Bhubaneswar's Kalinga Stadium on Friday, February 21 and Saturday, February 22.
This is the 22 year-old's third time in the country and he said he's excited to be there.
"It's always exciting playing for Australia, especially in front of a huge and passionate Indian crowd," he said.
He said the green and gold squad had been training in Perth in the weeks prior to competition.
"Now we're taking part in gym and training sessions in India," he said.
Sharp said one of the biggest challenges the Australian team were faced with in India wasn't game related, but instead it was the hygiene factor.
"With coronavirus and bird flu going around over here we have to stay on top of that," he said.
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He said the team doctor has strict rules in place for what the squad can and can't eat.
"Our doctor is not allowing us to eat chicken or eggs, we can't drink tap water or eat salads and we have to use hand sanitiser every time we eat," he said.
Sharp said the squad would continue to have pro league matches in Perth and Europe and focus on Olympic preparation.
He said having the change to compete at the Olympics was the ultimate goal for him.
"If you want something bad enough you will do whatever it takes to get there.
"It's amazing for me, but the team as well, it's the pinnacle of our sport," he said.
He also said in the past, the Kookaburras had definitely under-performed at the Olympic games in previous years.
If you want something bad enough you will do whatever it takes to get there.
- Lachi Sharp
"This is massive for us and personally winning an Olympic gold medal would be the best feeling in the world.
Sharp said he looked forward to the weekend and urged supporters back home to tune into Kayo Sports and/or Fox Sports at 12.30am on Saturday and Sunday morning.
The young gun was also named among the Kookaburras top goal scorers along with teammates Tom Craig, Jeremy Hayward and Trent Mitton.
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Alanna Tomazin
Alanna is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald with a focus on education. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at alanna.tomazin@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Alanna is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald with a focus on education. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at alanna.tomazin@austcommunitymedia.com.au
