NEW DELHI: After days of controversy over captaincy of the Indian hockey team, it’s now time for some
on-field action.

Having been appointed skipper for the first time for a major tour, striker Rajpal Singh said the added responsibility would help him perform even better during next month’s Champions Challenge tournament in Argentina.

The Indian team left for Spain late on Sunday night where they will play some practice matches before heading to Argentina for the December 6-13 eight-nation event.

“Leading the country is a big honour. But I am sure it will help me evolve as a player. The pressure will bring the best out of me. It’s a challenge, but I am ready for it,” said the striker on the sidelines of the logo unveiling ceremony for the next year’s Hero Honda World Cup which will be hosted in New Delhi.

The Argentina event would provide a chance for India to qualify for next year’s Champions Trophy, an event where they last featured in 2005.

Sandeep Singh’s injury, which ruled out the drag-flicker and the erstwhile captain of the event at the last minute, may have come as a jolt, but Rajpal put up a brave face by saying that his team would not let it affect performance.

“We are fully prepared. Sandeep was an important member of the team, but it would not stop us from going all out. His replacement Diwakar Ram is also a good player and this trip will provide him vital exposure,” he said, adding, “If we win the title, we have decided to dedicate the trophy to Sandeep to boost his morale.”

He said the players were getting used to the training methods introduced by new coach Jose Brasa. “The players are using the new techniques and they are helping us improve. The focus is now on counter-attacks. We hope such ploys will work during the Champions Challenge,” he said. Coach Brasa said he was confident of a good show by the team.

“There’s no problem in the team. We all are focussed and looking forward to the event. I am sure the team will put up a good show.”