Azlan Shah Hockey: Spotlight on young guns in Malyasia

Bengaluru: After five weeks of preparations at the Sports Authority of India’s South Centre, Team India will depart for Malaysia on Saturday for the season-opening Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, set to take place from  April 29 to May 6.

The six-nation tournament is the ideal proving ground for head coach Roelant Oltmans’ youthful side and features powerhouses Australia, whilst New Zeland, invitees Great Britain, Japan and hosts Malaysia complete the group.

There is a great sense of anticipation from this team — some of whom lack big experience but make up for it with spirit and character. Oltmans said summed up what he’d seen at the training camp here in the city as a success.

“The camp has been good. We have made a lot of progress. We have started a new group and had to make new dynamics (for them). They have to understand the game plan and know their role in each position — that’s important.

“It will be shown in Ipoh on the pitch. That’s absolutely what we are thrilled to see,” he said on Friday.

The four-time winners will take on Britain in the tournament opener and the Dutchman spoke on the strength of the opposition that India will face over the next two weeks.

“Australia are the top team in the tournament and the world no 2. New Zealand are also there. At the same time, all these teams, probably except Japan and Malaysia, are in a transitional phase. The first match is against England, who are a mixture of young and experienced players so we’re curious to see how they will come out against us.”

Ever the first name of the team sheet, goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh looked unfazed by the mighty Aussies who pipped India to the Champions Trophy gold in London last year. “We need to concentrate on European teams to get our confidence levels high. We will keep the special stuff for Australia.”

While the 62-year-old coach has blooded three debutants among seven junior players in the 18-member squad, the start of a new Olympic cycle also represents a fresh beginning for India’s new-look coaching unit. Nevertheless, it’s all the same to Oltmans.

“They (the juniors) are here because they proved they can play some quality hockey which they showed based on the good performance they had in 2016. From now on, I don’t talk about them separately. They are all seniors.”