A final rehearsal before Olympics
S. THYAGARAJAN

It is, in essence, a pre-Olympic competition. Edition-2012 of Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament, starting on Thursday, brings into focus six teams with confirmed entries to the London Olympics. The exception in the seven is the host — Malaysia.

An annual event that has embellished the hockey ethos of the continent since 1983, it is seen this time as a rehearsal for the Olympiad.

At least, for the qualified six — India, Pakistan, Korea, New Zealand, Argentina and Great Britain — it is the last chance to experiment their strategies before the big show.

OPEN FIELD

With the reigning champion, Australia, opting out, the field is open. Any calibration of podium finishes will be a guessing game. What accentuates this are the new blue-pink synthetic pitch and yellow balls.

For India, the relevance of this chapter cannot be overstated. Since the Olympic Qualifier in Delhi, expectations are vaulting. Even a superficial reading convinces one of India’s strength and balance this time.

The recent four-nation event in London against Germany, Australia and GB has served to enhance the combative spirit. The close finishes against GB and Germany mirrored a noticeable improvement.

However, much depends on the start against New Zealand on Thursday. Last time India had succumbed to a sensational 7-1. India needs to obliterate this nightmare.

Mid-field is India’s strong point. Sardar Singh, the pivot, is now acknowledged as world class. Right half Gurbaj Singh exemplifies the spirit as also the hard-working Birendra Lakra.

Interestingly, the striking power stays with the defenders. This layer features three exemplary drag flickers — Sandeep Singh, Raghunath and Rupinder, who has replaced veteran Ignace Tirkey for this event.

Sharp shooter Shivendra, and his competent allies, S. V. Sunil, Gurvinder Chandi and Tushar, can torpedo any defence if they achieve a measure of method and mobility.

For youngsters, Uthappa and Kolathar Singh, this is another learning curve.

GB IS FAVOURITE

If any assessment states GB the favourite it is not a stray thought. GB is best placed for the trophy. Headed by the ingenuous coach Jason Lee, GB has an enviable assembly of players exuding experience, expertise and enterprise.

The return of Matt Daly sharpens GB’s attack, whose strike force will be the trio of Jonty Clarke, Ashley Jackson and Robert Moore. Additionally, GB has two doughty warriors in Ben Hawes and Barry Middleton.

GB will surprise many if it fails to take home the glittering cup.

For New Zealand, a below par performance is a rarity. Its approach is striking for freshness, fluency and finesse. A collection of veterans headed by the indomitable Ryan Archibald in the mid-field, the Kiwis look thoroughly prepared for the campaign.

Former champion, Pakistan, is wading in a period of uncertainty. The rebellion by six stalwarts who participated in the WSH has impacted the selection.

What an old war horse like Sohail Abbas can do under the new coach and former President, Akhtar Rasool, is difficult to forecast.

UNPREDICTABILITY

Argentina and Korea are renowned for their unpredictability. The Pan-American leader has underlined this factor umpteen times. So is Korea, which recently stunned Ireland with a last second goal in the OQ at Dublin.

Embarrassed as being the only non-qualifier in the pack, this is Malaysia’s chance to demonstrate that the failure to be in London is only an aberration. The mood here is buoyant, and understandably so, after the team won the Asia Cup junior at Malacca. Seven of them are now part of the squad.

That the stage is set for an absorbing competition goes without saying.

The schedule:

May 24: Pakistan v Argentina; India v New Zealand; Korea v Malaysia; May 25: New Zealand v Argentina; Great Britain v Malaysia; Korea v India. May 26: Rest day; May 27: New Zealand v Pakistan; Korea v Argentina; GB v India; May 28: Korea v Pakistan; GB v Argentina; India v Malaysia; May 29: Rest day: May 30: India v Argentina; GB v New Zealand; Pakistan v Malaysia; May 31: GB v Korea; Pakistan v India; New Zealand v Malaysia; June 1. Rest day; June 2: Korea v New Zealand; GB v Pakistan; Argentina v Malaysia. June 3: Matches for 5-6, 3-4, and Fina