The Indian National Team pre-season training camp conducted by National Coach Stephen Constantine has come in for lavish praise from his wards. In his effort to “widen the pool of players” Constantine worked with 23 boys in the Capital where he trained for 10 days prior to the unofficial friendly match against Bhutan.

Figures indicate that there was 12.94% on the maximal aerobic speed from the day the camp kicked off and an 11.67% increase in the Vo2max (aerobic capacity) since the first day of the camp.

Isaac Vanmalsawma, the Shillong Lajong midfielder who caught the eye during the last season of the Hero I-League mentioned that it was “best pre-season training that he has ever done.”

“From my U-16 to U-19 National Team days to my stint in Lajong, this was best fitness regime that I have been a part of,” he told AIFF Media.

“The manner of practice is totally different from the manner we do in any Club in India. It has helped all of us to increase out fitness and we will all benefit when we go back,” he added.

“When we landed in the Camp, it was like we came out from a holiday. The fitness levels are different right now,” he informed. “If every Club trains this way Indian Football will really grow. The Camp was an eye-opener for me.”

How do you sustain the fitness level when you go back?

“I will do be doing the extra part which I learnt separately at the Club. I will ask other Team mates to join in but even if I don’t get company, I will do it myself. Alone!” stated.

“It was utter professionalism,” Chinglensana certified. “I was fortunate to train under Danny (Deigan). My endurance levels have increased a lot. And it was not just physical training. So much of tactical efforts went into every session.”

“It has been my best pre-season training ever,” he too echoed.

Senior pro Subrata Paul, the senior most Player in the squad mentioned that despite the squad having being affected by “food poisoning, we continued the momentum.”

“The squad was hit by a bout of food poisoning for which we had to alter our practice schedule. But it never affected our momentum,” he said.

“Everyone was coming off after a long layoff and this was the perfect pre-season which we could have. Everyone was enthusiastic and worked very hard. I will carry the experience of this pre-season forever. The match against Bhutan was the added motivation,” he quipped.

India play Bhutan on August 13 in Thimphu.

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)