Times of India: Indian juniors eye positive result against Argentina

JOHOR BAHRU: The Indian junior hockey team will look to put the reverse in its last match behind as it takes on Argentina in the 5th Sultan of Johor Cup on Wednesday.

India started the campaign with a win against Pakistan, beating them 5-1. The junior team continued its attacking game in their second match against Great Britain, but the opponents came back strongly in the second half to defeat India 4-3.

The Indians will now look to get back to winning ways, earn more points and seal a place in the semi-finals.

India faced Argentina twice in 2013 and registered convincing wins on both occasions. The Indian colts defeated the Argentines 3-2 in the 3rd Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia and repeated their success in the Hero Hockey Junior World Cup, where they outplayed the Latin Americans 4-2.

Before that, India easily beat Argentina 6-1 to clinch their maiden FIH Junior World Cup Men’s title in 2001 in Hobart, Australia.

Along with the in-form Sumit Kumar the rest of the forward line includes Arman Qureshi, Ajay Yadav and Parvinder Singh, who provide the required strength.

Argentina started their campaign with a huge upset, beating Australia 1-0. They will aim to continue in same vein against India.

Speaking on the eve of the match, India coach Harendra Singh said, “The team is geared up for the next challenge and looking for a close battle tomorrow. We have beaten Argentina in the past and outplayed them in all the matches. The team in the last two matches showed their best game during vital moments and their mental strength is quite strong. We are expecting a positive result in tomorrow’s game.”

India captain Harjeet Singh added, “We are playing against Argentina after a long time but we have knowledge of their playing style. We have beaten them earlier and this time also we will play to win the match. They have good players in their side. We will play our natural game and hold our defence strongly.”