Already assured of a place in the Rio Olympics, Asian Games champion India will start its preparations for the mega event with the 24th Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament where it will face Korea here on Sunday.
Given that India has already qualified for the Olympics, it was expected that the Asian Games gold medallists will use the Azlan Shah Cup as a testing ground for youngsters. But the national committee and team management have made their intentions clear by handpicking the strongest possible side under Sardar Singh’s leadership.
India has gone for a strong 18-member squad with just three changes from last December’s Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar.
It might be an invitational tournament, but the six-nation Azlan Shah Cup holds great significance for the Indian team, especially with a new coach in Dutchman Paul van Ass at the helm. The Azlan Shah Cup will be van Ass’s first international assignment with the Indian team and expectedly the pressure on the Dutchman will be intense.
Barely three weeks into the job, van Ass has already made clear his expectations from the tournament and feels the Azlan Shah Cup will provide him a competitive platform to get a fair idea about his wards.
But it would be easier said than done for the Sardar Singh-led side as this year’s Azlan Shah Cup boasts a strong field in world champion and title holder Australia, mighty New Zealand, the ever-improving Malaysia, Canada besides India and Korea.
The first challenge that awaits van Ass’s boys is the dangerous Koreans. Besides Korea, India will face New Zealand on Monday, followed by games against Malaysia (April 7), Canada (April 9) and Australia (April 11). — PTI
