FIH Hockey World League 2017 – 5 Indian players who can make an impact

With the final stage of the FIH Hockey World League just around the corner, expectations are high for the host country India. As Dutchman Sjoerd Marijne takes charge of the team, the wheels will be set in motion for the World Cup next year that incidentally is happening in Odisha as well.

Marijne might have gotten off to a positive start as India won the Asia Cup, but this time India are facing the top 8 teams in the world and will be Marijne’s biggest test. Their group is a tough one with them having to play stalwarts like Australia, England and Germany right from the word go.

With the Asian and Commonwealth Games down the road, this will be an important first step for India to show that they are a threat in the world scene. Let us take a close look at the five players who can help India define its future standing.

#1 Manpreet Singh

When Manpreet Singh took over the Indian Hockey team, a frequent grouse was the slow pace of their game. Under his leadership, the team has been shaping up well and shows signs of being faster with the captain himself acting as the lynchpin between attack and defence.

His speciality lies in the great commitment shown to the team and the sport. Taking over from Sardar Singh, Manpreet proved in the recently-concluded Asia Cup that he has what it takes to play in the midfield as well. Having already made a good impression in his tenure as captain, his leadership will prove instrumental in the matches to come.