5 youngsters to watch out for at Sultan Azlan Shah 2015
Defending champion Australia heads into the 24th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah 2015 as the overhwlming favourite. The World Champion, which has won the tournament a record eight times will look to retain the title even as it prepares to lock horns with some of the best teams in the world. India, brimming with confidence in the wake of winning the Gold Medal at the Asian Games last year, will definitely fancy its chances this time around. The tournament will be new coach Paul Van Ass’s first assignment. A relatively young squad has been chosen by the selectors bearing in mind the Rio Olympics next year and the performances of the youngsters will be thoroughly evaluated. All six teams (Australia, Canada, India, Malaysia, New Zealand and South Korea) competing in the event have many promising youngsters in their ranks. Let us now take a look at five of the most exciting young players at Sultan Azlan Shah 2015.
#1 Akashdeep Singh (India)
has been one of the most consistent performers for the Indian team
The 20-year old Akashdeep Singh, who made his debut for the Indian senior team even as his elder brother Prabdeep Singh was biding his time with the juniors, is counted amongst the most exciting young players in international hockey today.
At the Asian Games last year, Akashdeep scored a stunning goal to see India through to the final for the first time in 12 years. Given his tender age, the figures that he has against his name are nothing short of astounding. In 62 games, Akashdeep has scored 24 goals.
Akashdeep was all of 18 years when he first burst onto the international scene nearly two and a half years ago in December 2012. With both their eyes on the Rio Olympics next year, the Indian selection committee is using the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup as an opportunity to test young talent.
Although the team for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup does boast the presence of veterans such as Sardar Singh and Sreejesh, a lot will depend on the likes of youngsters such as Akashdeep, as India kicks off its preparations for the Olympics.
The talented forward is one of the lynchpins of the young team and will be expected to rise to the occasion in the six-team event.