HWL challenge is bigger than Asia Cup: Sjoerd Marijne

Riding high after clinching gold in his maiden task at the Asia Cup, India men’s hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne believes the upcoming tournament Hockey World League Finals will be more challenging.

“I am really happy with Asia Cup performance. But we play to get better. This tournament is different”.

“We get to play against five of the world’s best teams. This is bigger than Asia Cup. We will take positives from it, but this time the challenge will be different,” said Sjoerd Marijne.

His team arrived with his 18-member squad in host city Bhubaneswar today.

Indian team, which has a combination of both seniors and juniors will play against Australia in their first match on December 1. Coach is excited but sounds cautious on the first big match.

“Me as coach, this will be the first time we will face Australia. We are looking forward to that match. In fact, all the matches are a challenge to us.”

Veteran player Sardar Singh was left out for the all important FIH tournament. On Sardar Singh being dropped from the team the smiling coach said, “We will try Rupinderpal Singh, Birendra Lakra and Harmanpreet Singh in that role. We have seen Sardar’s game, now we need to see other players as well. We are searching for the right combination.”

All praise for host city Bhubaneswar the coach said the crowd will give the team the extra energy. “Hockey knowledge is good in Bhubaneswar. The crowd will come to support us which will give us extra energy.”

Hockey World League finals will be held from December 1 to 10.