Indian Hockey team upbeat ahead of Euro tour

Pune: A proper blend of young and experienced players will come to the fore as the Indian hockey team braces itself to challenge some of the top European nations in their month-long tour beginning July 2.

The 22-member team left the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi here on Friday for the Four Nations Hamburg Masters where they are set to take on The Netherlands, Germany and Japan.

That tournament will be followed by a Test series each in Belgium, France and The Netherlands. “It will be a good experience for the youngsters and some good practice for the seniors before they take the field for some serious encounters in the two big tournaments (CWG and Asian Games) ahead,” India hockey coach Harendra Singh told DNA.

“The last European tour proved beneficial for the team and we are hoping for the same. With Sandeep Singh back in team and youngsters like Amir Khan making the squad, there is a good mixture of players and it should be exciting,” said skipper Rajpal Singh. “We are here to do our duty for the nation,” said comeback man Sandeep Singh.