India striker Akashdeep Singh not taking Hockey World League lightly
Ace Indian striker Akashdeep Singh is not taking the Hockey World League (HWL) lightly at all. With India set to start their HWL campaign against France on the 20th of June and the injury to SV Sunil, the onus is on Akashdeep to lead the line.
Realising the significance of the tournament he said, “We realise the importance of this tournament as the outcome from here will chalk out the future course of action in terms of team combinations.”
The Punjab-based player also insisted that the current tournament will help the team better understand the strategies that chief coach Paul Van Ass is trying to implement. This would help the team in the long run in preparing for the Rio Olympics.
He also ensured that every member of the team knows where the weaknesses lie and some major work has to be done there.
“The concerned areas will need immediate attention. Each player is aware of this and is ensuring that he has to do his job as there is very less scope for mistakes.”
The 20-year-old forward said he is enjoying the challenge and India has to grow stronger as a team, both physically and tactically, in order to compete with the best teams in the world.
“We as a team have reached a point where we have to grow and become stronger and we are enjoying this challenge.”
The striker has played 71 games for the national team and found the net on 28 occasions. India’s hope will surely rely on this number 58 to get them some quick goals and put the pressure back at the opposition.
India will also face the mighty Australians, neighbours Pakistan and Poland later on in the tournament.