Ipoh: hockey team Indian men seek a fresh start under new coach Paul van Ass as six nations 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup begins in Shah Azlan Stadium here on Sunday.
India had a fruitful 2014 when he won gold at the Asian Games after 16 years. He was given a tough fight to Australia, so I finished a creditable fourth in the Champions Trophy.
Now the 18-member team is preparing to play not only the first tournament of the year, but will also be the first task for the Dutch van Ass, takes the reins of Olympic champions eight times from Australian Terry Walsh.
The tournament concludes on April 12, World No.9 India reigning world champions Australia, New Zealand World No.7, No.8 Global South Korea, Malaysia World No.12 and No.15 World Canada will face.
For participants in the tournament teams will be added importance because it is the last major international before the World Hockey League (HWL) finals in June.
Although India has qualified for the Olympic Games Rio 2016, which will also gain momentum with good performance.
The opening day of the tournament will witness Sardar Singh led India to South Korea. Participating teams last met each other in the semifinals of the Asian Games in Incheon, where India defeated the hosts 1-0.
The Korean team led by experienced Seungil Lee also had lost to India in the World Cup and want to change the outcome of Saturday.
“Although all parties are important to us, but the first game always plays an important role in the campaign of all teams,” a statement quoted by the newspaper ass van.
“The good show certainly improves the confidence level of the players and provides very positive energy in the body technician also. The boys are well prepared and confident to take the Korean team.”
Van Ass, who guided him Netherlands at the end of the silver medal in the 2012 Olympics and 2014 World Cup, said that since joining the team on March 16, players have prepared well for the new challenge.
“We have had a good time together during training camp and we have helped a lot. Equipment is very positive, energetic, well practiced and ready to take your opponent in the first game,” said 54-year-old.
From tomorrow I think I understand how the head coach whence comes my unit is exactly and how we can start working on ourselves as a team. ”
In order to register a win in the first round, Sardar Indian captain said: “At first match is always important for any team want to start our campaign with a win and the game will also give us the opportunity to examine our strengths and weaknesses ..
“Korean team is very strong and always ranked among the best teams in Asia. They have surprised us a few times in the past and we are not taking any chance to take the match lightly.”
Korea held the Asian Games champions India with after trailing in the first quarter of their first match at the Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tie.
Already secured a place in the Olympic Games in Rio, the Asian Games champions India will begin their preparation for the mega-event with 24 hockey tournament Azlan Shah Cup, where they face Korea in their first match here on Sunday.
Since India has already qualified for the Olympics, it was expected that the Asian Games gold-medalist Azlan Shah Cup will use as a testing ground for young people.
Hockey team Indian men seek a fresh start under new coach Paul van Ass as six nations 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup starts Azlan Shah Stadium in here on Sunday.
India had a fruitful 2014 when he won gold at the Asian Games after 16 years. He was given a tough fight to Australia, so I finished a creditable fourth in the Champions Trophy.
Now the 18-member team is preparing to play not only the first tournament of the year, but will also be the first task for the Dutch van Ass, takes the reins of Olympic champions eight times from Australian Terry Walsh.
