New Delhi, May 24 -- "Nobody wants to go to another country and return empty handed," said India vice-captain Hardik Singh.

It was a tough pill to swallow. Five matches, five losses. The formidable Aussies had not just beaten India but ripped apart the momentum and belief Harmanpreet Singh and Co had been building over the last few months since qualifying for the Olympics.

Chief coach Craig Fulton knew it was important to keep the mood lively. He regularly took the team to the beaches in Perth where they spent hours swimming in the sea. The South African also encouraged the team to spend time with the Indian community Down Under who had invited the players for dinner.

"These activities will not necessarily improve your hockey but what ...