Dhaka: Eyes firmly set on retaining the numero uno status in the continent, favourites India face a tricky campaign-opener against Japan in the men’s Asia Cup hockey tournament starting here Wednesday. The tournament would also be the first test for newly-appointed coach Sjoerd Marijne.
It would be an arduous task for the 43-year-old Marijne to fill in the big shoes of Roelant Oltmans, who made a significant contribution to Indian hockey in his four-year tenure, lifting the Asian powerhouse from 12 to sixth in the world rankings.
Last edition’s runners-up India, led by midfielder Manpreet Singh, will be eyeing a perfect start to their campaign in Pool A which also features arch rivals Pakistan and hosts Bangladesh.
“The opening match is always challenging because we need to get over early nervousness and find our rhythm. We are upbeat and ready for the first challenge,” said Manpreet on the eve of their opener.
“We are aware that we go into this tournament as the highest-ranked team and we will aim to keep up the No.1 status,” the skipper added.
The Indians last played Japan in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup earlier this year where they won the encounter 4-3. “We have seen how they play and they are definitely one of the fastest improving sides in Asia. We can never take Japan to be an easy team,” Manpreet pointed out.
The Asia Cup is also India’s lone international outing before the year-ending big event – the FIH Hockey World League Finals to be played in Bhubaneswar. Hence the tournament will be India’s best opportunity to try out a combo of youngsters and old warhorses. The Asia Cup will witness the return of seasoned pros like former skipper Sardar Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Satbir Singh and SV Sunil.
Press Trust of India