Indian men’s hockey team begin 3rd Asian Champions Trophy preparations

Indian men’s national hockey team players pose during unveiling of their new playing kits at The Lalit, on June 4, 2013 in New Delhi, India. ( Getty Images)

Indian men’s hockey team is going through the paces at its preparation camp for the upcoming third Asian Champions Trophy tourney at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.

More than thirty probables are hitting the training drills for the prestigious continental event slated to be held in the Japanese city of Kakamigahara from November 2-10.

Captain Sardar Singh is not attending the camp as he is away in the Netherlands turning out for iconic Dutch club HC Bloemendaal; he is expected to join the team at the camp later this month.

The tournament is being organised by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) and will feature teams like defending champions Pakistan, India, China, Malaysia and Oman.

India will be on a high after putting up a spirited performance in the ninth Asia Cup in Ipoh under caretaker coach Roelant Oltmans.

The Blueshirts finished as runners-up, losing to Korea narrowly and keeping their 2014 World Cup qualifying hopes alive – India can make the cut if Australia or New Zealand win the Oceania Cup later this month – which looks a distinct possibility given the fact that the other teams in the fray are feeble.

Recently, the Indian junior team clinched the third Sultan of Johor Cup in Johor Bahru defeating hosts Malaysia comprehensively; thus fine-tuning themselves for the 2013 Junior World Cup to be held in New Delhi this December.

The inaugural men’s Asian Champions Trophy was held in Ordos, China in September 2011, where India piped arch-rivals Pakistan 4-2 in the penalty shootout in a cracker of a final. Goalkeeepr PR Sreejesh emerged as the hero of the final, pulling off two crucial saves, which tipped the scales in India’s favour.

Pakistan exacted sweet revenge in the second edition held in Doha in December 2012, edging out India 5-4 in a high-voltage, controversial final match in Doha.

This time around, India will be one of the strong contenders alongside Pakistan and Malaysia. Even the likes of Japan and China are rapidly improving sides and cannot be taken lightly.