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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)
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.
#2 Jeremy Hayward (Australia)
Jeremy Hayward scored his first goal playing only in his second match at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup last year against Canada. Since then, he has gone on to add nine more goals to his tally, and is seen by many as the best player among the many up and coming youngsters in the Australian team.
The 22-year old won ‘The Junior Player of the World Cup’ last year and the young forward, whose performance in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup last year left everyone amazed will look to emulate his performance when he takes to the Hockey field at Ipoh this year as Australia will look to retain the title and clinch it for a record ninth time.
#3 Jared Panchia (New Zealand)
21-year old Jared Panchia made his debut for the New Zealand national team at the age of 19 over two years ago. Jared, who along with his brothers Arun (25) and Daniel (19) plays for Auckland Fury in the Ford NHL hockey tournament.
Although a mid-fielder by position, his attacking skills are, by no means, unimpressive and it is this versatility helped him secure a place in the national side two years ago. He has also played a vital role in helping his domestic team, Auckland Fury win the Challenge Shield twice.
A student of Auckland University, Jared is a huge fan of Lionel Messi and Michael Jordan. New Zealand, which won the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in 2012 will rely on the talents of this exciting youngster in the upcoming event.
#4 Muhammad Firhan Ashaari (Malaysia)
22-year old Muhammad Firhan Ashaari has represented Malaysia in over 60 games, which by itself should rank as an incredible accomplishment at his age. However, he is also one of his country’s best strikers, whose consistent performances have left everyone marveling at his talent.
Early this year, at the World Hockey League in Singapore, he dazzled the spectators with his ability and played a huge role in Malaysia’s spectacular showing in the same.
#5 Mandeep Singh (India)
20-year old Mandeep Singh reruns to the Indian fold after battling scores of injuries. Being snubbed by the selection committee for the Asian Games, he said motivated him to work harder, and his toil has paid off with his inclusion in the Indian squad for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia.
The exciting young forward, who has tumbled in and tumbled out of the national side ever since he made his debut at the age of 18 in 2013, is geared up to perform well and justify his selection for the tournament.
In a largely young contingent, Mandeep, who has made heads turn with his penetrative skills will definitely be a player to watch out for.
