New Delhi, Sept 15: Former Indian hockey captain Dhanraj Pillai says coach Joaquim Carvalho who helped the Indian team in their recent Asia Cup triumph, be given at least three years to include India among the elite countries of international hockey.

Dhanraj said the attacking brand of hockey showcased by India in Chennai would have gladdened the hearts of the lovers of the game and expressed confidence that the winning momentum would not be lost in future tournaments.

“The Indian team played attacking hockey from the beginning to final [in the Asia Cup]. I think the Indian Hockey Federation [IHF] should give a coach at least three years for him to carry forward the momentum in the tournaments ahead including the Olympic qualifiers and the Olympics,” said the four-time Olympian.

“To qualify for the Olympics is the immediate goal and the team should concentrate on the Olympic qualifiers now,” he said. India is likely to play the Olympic qualifiers being held in

New Zealand in February-March of next year.

—Agencies