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The senior Indian hockey team has big challenge ahead of themselves when they face 7 other top teams in the world at their home ground in New Delhi from 10th January to 18th January. The Indian team are clubbed with Group A with England, Newzeland and Germany while Pool B comprises of Australia, Belguim, Argentina and Holland. It promises to be close affair as India has a chance to redeem themselves and bring back the glory back. I think the Indian team has a very good chance but they have perform very well against these sides.
The main threat that India has the agility, speed and stamina of these sides. The new Indian coach is working on few tricks that may help India in the long run and especially when crucial tournaments like Asian games, Commonwealth games and Hockey World cup is going to take place in coming months. The important part in this tournament could be the ability to convert penalty corners conversion and put the pressure on the opponents.
Sardara Singh the captain,Mandeep Singh, V ragunath penalty corner specialist and other team players have to tackle the european style of hockey ie to play aggressive hockey. I am sure that the support of the crowd will help them to perform better and do their best for the country.
All these 7 team are in the top 10 teams in hockey rankings. If they perform against the best then the future of Indian hockey is safe and the craze of the sport will be back.
Indian players must know that this is a great chance for team to show their mettle against the top team and not think about the result and just enjoy the atmosphere, play to the best of the ability. This tournament will stand the team in good mood ahead of big tournaments.
The Indian team must be careful not to relax after taking lead and just focus on the basics by tiring the opponents and not to give possession to them. In the recent junior world cup the Indians had taken the lead and in just 12 minutes the Koreans scored twice, the dream of world cup was over and had to be happy with 10th place.
As an Indian fan i would love to see that the Indian team perform better. If the Indian team do well here it augers well. The ability to handle pressure,coordination and to trust each other will be an important factor.
