New Delhi: India hockey team skipper Manpreet Singh on Tuesday said his team is eyeing nothing less than a gold medal at the next month's Commonwealth Games after settling for silver twice in the last two editions.
"We are looking at nothing less than a Gold Medal at the CWG. We have lost two consecutive Finals in the previous editions to Australia but this time we want to aim for a better colour of medal," said Manpreet before leaving along with the team for Gold Coast on Tuesday.
"The team went through an intense preparation camp with focus on specific areas that required improvement. Now it will be all about executing the plans we have against each team to perfection and remain consistent throughout the tournament," asserted the 25-year-old midfielder.
Indian Men's Team is grouped in Pool B along with Pakistan, Malaysia, Wales and England. They will begin their campaign on April 7 against arch-rivals Pakistan.
Brimming with confidence, the Indian women's hockey teams also left for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games beginning on April 4.
Both the teams received a warm send-off from Hockey India officials, friends and family members of the players who were present at the IGI Airport.
The teams were based out of the Sports Authority of India, Bengaluru for the National Camp where the sides, under their respective coaching staff, underwent rigorous preparations for the quadrennial event.
With Commonwealth Games being first of the many major tournaments this year, both the teams are looking to set the momentum for the rest of the year and are hopeful to achieve their targets in Australia.
The Indian women's side will take on Wales on April 5.
"I don't think any team is easy to beat. Every match will be challenging but to begin with a victory will be ideal. We are going for the CWG as serious contenders for a Medal. We are hungry to win and build on our reputation as Asian Champions," Rani said.
"We have left no stone unturned in our preparations and have worked on every area that has bothered us in the past. Both men and women's team was in Delhi on Monday and Tuesday prior to our departure so some of us had the opportunity of meeting our family members. Now our excitement has doubled and we carry the good wishes of the entire nation."
The Women's Team is grouped in Pool A along with Wales, Malaysia, England and South Africa.