India and Pakistan have faced off in some high-octane clashes in recent months on the hockey pitch. Tuesday’s encounter in the round-robin stage of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup will be the latest chapter in this spicy rivalry. Pakistan, who have failed to qualify for the Olympics for the first time since 1948 will be eager to send a reminder that they remain a powerful force.
For the Indian team, there is a lot more riding on the game than just the final score line. It was victory over Pakistan in a thrilling final of the Asian Games in Incheon in 2014 that assured them a spot at the Rio Olympics. Now, with the games looming on the horizon, the team management is putting the finishing touches to the squad and tactics. This contest will provide vital clues for coach Roelant Oltmans and his crew as they build momentum.
Several senior players were given a break for the tournament with an eye to give the fringe members of the squad an opportunity. With first choice goalkeeper P R Sreejesh resting, Harjot Singh and Akash Anil Chikte have stepped under the bar. Although they have conceded seven goals in the three matches so far, observers aren’t perturbed by that outcome.
India has won two matches against lower ranked Japan and Canada so far in the tournament sandwiched between a heavy 1-5 defeat to Australia. Despite creating scoring opportunities, India failed to convert against the formidable Aussies, an area experts believe they need to get sharper in. The 3-1 victory over the feisty Canadians was important considering the teams are in the same pool at the Olympics.
In Jagbir’s view India needs to focus on a couple of tactical aspects before arriving in Rio. Among them is the ability to launch quick counterattacks and improve their ability to turnover the ball fast to convert a defensive position into an attacking one.
With the core of the playing squad settled, the Azlan Shah cup is a platform for the emerging group of players to shine through. Among them is Harmanpreet Singh, who starred in India’s junior Asia Cup win last year with a tally of 15 goals, hasn’t quite hit his straps yet at the senior level.
Quite clearly, for the five-time Azlan Shah Champions, this tournament is more than simply about results. Subduing Pakistan will provide an injection of confidence, but this Indian hockey team has bigger fish to fry in the months ahead.
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