Indian coach Baljit Singh Saini says its slowdown strategy of Malaysian team that led to 3-3 draw yesterday in the last league encounter. .

“It was not an easy game for us. Despite being 2-0 up, we had to struggle in the second half. It’s easy to play a fast game, but when the other team plays slow hockey, it becomes very difficult. Malaysian team slowed down the pace of the game, so it became difficult for us but I am glad we got the equalizer” he said.

Captain Manpreet Singh: Malaysia is a very strong side and today again, they showed the same. We are absolutely ready to take them in the finals, and I am very hopeful that the team we have, we will be able to win the title, though it’s not going to be easy for us.

However, the Malaysian coach Abdullah Dharmaraj is all praise for Indian. “India is a superb side, I wish as a coach I had the same team under me. The best part about the Indian team is that they have excellent bench strength. We did not have the same bench strength. This Indian team is as good as the senior Malaysian team. We are hopeful to win the title, but beating this Indian team is extremely tough.”

India and Malaysia clash today 18 hrs IST for the final honour.