Time for Juniors to claim their rightful place

By B. David

The 22nd edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey tournament, starting tomorrow, serves as a strong platform for India, which fielded a development squad in its endeavour to develop and test reliable juniors to prepare for the Junior World Cup to be held in India this year.

Sultan Azlan Shah has always been an event looked eagerly waited for, and the hosts Malaysia provide formidable opponents, along with other usual stalwarts in Australia, Korea and Pakistan; not to mention last year’s surprise champions New Zealand. Indian coach Michael Nobbs went on record that there would not be much expectations from this squad. However, the fact may be slightly different from what the coach would like us to believe.

Azlan Shah Cup is very important for the country to fine tune its preparations and to hit the right combination of junior players, who get a valuable experience playing such a reputed and tough tournament.

The Junior World Cup will be held in December with 16 countries fighting for the title. Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, England, Spain, Egypt, France, Germany, Korea, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa will be the participants along with hosts India.

Led by Danish Mujtaba, the team will have the experienced and dependable goalkeeper in Sreejesh. Rupinder Pal provides a strong protective wall, having been to Ipoh since 2010. However, its midfielder Manpreet Singh who can on his day change the course of any match.

But all eyes will be on juniors like Mandeep Singh, who the coach feels will get a wonderful opportunity to develop as a player as he has good raw talent.

Many young players get the first opportunity to be in such a traditional tournament as Azlan Shah.

Hopefully, they grab the opportunity that comes their way so early in their career.

Like Mandeep was shot into the stardom with one tournament – domestic event, Hockey India League – it may be true for someone like Harbir or Satbir.

Schedule:

9th March: 4.05pm: New Zealand vs Pakistan; 6.05pm India vs Australia; 8.05pm: Malaysia vs Korea

10th March: 4.05pm: Australia vs Pakistan; 6.05pm India vs Korea; 8.05pm: Malaysia vs New Zealand

11th March: Rest Day

12th March: 4.05pm: Korea vs New Zealand 6.05pm India vs Pakistan; 8.05pm: Malaysia vs Australia

13th March: Rest Day

14th March: 4.05pm: Australia vs Korea 6.05pm India vs New Zealand; 8.05pm: Malaysia vs Pakistan

15th March: Rest Day

16th March: 4.05pm: Korea vs Pakistan 6.05pm Australia vs New Zealand; 8.05pm: Malaysia vs India

17th March Sunday: 4.05pm: For 5th and 6th placing 6.05pm For 3rd and 4th placing; 8.05pm: Finals for First place
Indian team:
Forwards: Danish Mujtaba (captain), Nitin Timaiya, Satbir Singh, Mandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Chinglensana Singh, Dharamvir Singh and Gurwinder Singh Chandi.
Fullbacks: Rupinderpal Singh, Harbir Singh, Gurjinder Singh.

Halfbacks: Amit Rohidas, Gurmaill Singh, M B Aiyyapa.

Goalkeepers: P R Shreejesh and Sushant Tirkey.

Coach: Michael Nobbs.
Manager: Dr. Shailendra Shrivastava.
Note: Junior coach: Baljit Singh Saini will also accompany the team.