Having picked a squad that combines youth and experience, the India hockey team will test their bench strength at the upcoming Sultan Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia starting April 6.
Having picked a squad that combines youth and experience, the India hockey team will test their bench strength at the upcoming Sultan Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia starting April 6.
Following a rigorous camp at the Sports Authority India, South Centre over the past few weeks, India coach Roelant Oltmans rested senior players to test youngsters in the upcoming championship against the heavyweights of world hockey.
During the course of the event, the Dutchman will also get an opportunity to find the best possible combination before the quadrennial showpiece — the Olympics — begins in August.
“Azlan Shah Cup will be a testing ground for all the youngsters of the squad to prove that they are ready for the big stage in Rio this year,” said Oltmans.
Having set his sights on the Rio Olympics, Oltmans wants to focus on the forthcoming matches and the future events lined up.
“We don’t want to put extra pressure on ourselves right now, we just want to focus on one game at a time and then take it forward from there,” Oltmans said.
During the camp here, Oltmans worked on specialists to improve their skills. “We have specialists in each department now and that is helping the boys understand their roles better. The Hockey India League has definitely helped us tap some good talent but now it’s all about showcasing their mettle on the international stage,” Oltmans added.
