Hockey: India look to put best foot forward at Sultan Azlan Shah Cup

Runners-up at the last edition, India would look to go one step further as they start their campaign in the 26th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup with a game against Great Britain on Saturday. India were runners-up to nine-time champions Australia last year and Harmanpreet Singh played a crucial role in the team’s success.

Making his senior India team debut at Ipoh last season, Harmanpreet impressed one and all as he accompanied seasoned defenders Rupinderpal Singh and VR Raghunath to the Champions Trophy in London and then to the Olympics within four months.

India team would be hoping that Harmanpreet will be a big inspiration to three uncapped players in this tournament. Like Harmanpreet, midfielder Harpreet Singh, who captained the Junior World Cup champion side, and striker Mandeep Singh have in the past earned their senior grade spurs through the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

Making their maiden journey with the national squad now are defender Gurinder Singh and the midfield duo of Sumit and Manpreet Singh Junior. “The script of Harmanpreet’s graduation to the senior team is a big inspiration to follow for the youngsters who have come here,” coach Roelant Oltmans said on the eve of India’s opening fixture against Great Britain.

“We also …read more