Just before the Indian Hockey Team prepares to leave for the 26th Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament in Malaysia, the team participated in a mandatory practice session at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.

The practice session was held under the watchful eyes of newly elected Indian chief coach Paul van Ass, who looked determined about his new role as he prepares to face his first challenge with the Indian team.

The former Netherlands coach was seen interacting with the players and solving their queries on the field.

Talking about boys and the language barrier, the head coach feels its about the on-field combination which brings results.

“The players are very skillful and are very much willing to learn new things which is really good but the nice part is all though I don’t speak Hindi or Punjabi, on the pitch we do have the same sort of language.” Paul van Ass, quoted as saying.

Paul van is excited with this event and feels this won’t be like a normal Azlan Shah. “We are looking for some quality matches in the tournament. There are some teams better ranked then us and some lesser one. So, it’s a good tournament to feel and it gives chance for players to present themselves which makes it really attractive then the normal Azlan Shah Tournament.”

Birendra Lakra, who recently won the HI Player of the Year Award, said, “The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup will be a good opportunity for our team and we are in good position now.”

The new Chief Coach is working well with us and we are learning new things about the game and various strategies. Our defence is strong and we are confident enough,” he added.

The Indian hockey team will leave for Malaysia on 2nd of April as the Sardara Singh led side gears first-up to clash with Asian counter-part Korea in their first league game on April 5.