Harendra keen to repeat Azlan show

Age Correspondent

New Delhi

May 3: High on confidence after their Azlan Shah triumph, the Indian hockey team left for the Asia Cup, beginning May 9 in Kuantan, Malaysia.

Drawn in Group B along with Pakistan and China, the tournament will be a litmus test for Team India, who will face stiff competition from top teams. Pool A consists of Korea, Japan, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

India are the defending champions, having won the title in 2007 at home.

Coach Harendra Singh exuded confidence and said the players were up for the challenge. “The Asia Cup will be a true test for my boys. We have trained hard and are ready to give our best. Asia Cup is crucial to our plans and a win here will go a long way in resurrecting Indian hockey,” Harendra said here on the day.

“We are the defending champions and we will be satisfied with nothing less than the gold.”

Asia Cup will be a bigger test for the team because the field in Azlan Shah was not so strong with top European nations staying away. Spanish coach Jose Brasa — who will officially take charge after the Asia Cup — will also join the team in Malaysia. Said Harendra, “I have always said that I have no qualms working under any coach. Brasa’s presence will be a boost for my boys.”

Forward Sarwanjit Singh will replace Gurvinder Singh Chandi, who fractured his hand during practice on Saturday.

India won the championship in Chennai in 2007, beating South Korea in the final.

Courtesy: Asian Age