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Young Indian defender Hamanpreet Singh is all set to take part in the upcoming 5th Sultan of Johar Cup in Malaysia. The Indian junior hockey team will travel to Malaysia at the start of the second week of October.
Currently, the junior national team is taking part in the 3-week preparation camp under coach Harinder Singh at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi.
Hamanpreet showcased his amazing ability to take the penalty corners in the previous tournaments of the year and now is working vigorously to convert the penalty corners into goals.
He said, “While I am waiting to convert the penalty corners, I am even looking at working on how best to push the opponents back. I am working on ball possession and counter attacks for which I am practicing hard ,” as Hockey India reports.
“I am waiting for our clash against Great Britain”
The Indian team are the defending champions after having won the final against Great Britain in the previous Johor Cup. However, according to Hamanpreet Singh, Great Britain will be the team to beat in the next month’s tournament. The Indians lost only one match in the last Johor Cup and that defeat came against Great Britain in the group stage.
He added, “Our greatest opponent according to me will be Great Britain as they are a strong team. During the last edition even we had lost one match and that was against them, though in the finals we were lucky that we outwitted them and won the tournament. This time around I am waiting for our clash against them.”
There will be a total of 6 teams taking part in the tournament and India will have to face the likes of Pakistan, Malaysia, Australia, Great Britain and Argentina. The Indian team will open their account against their arch-rivals Pakistan in the opening tie of the tournament.
The Indian team will look to retain the trophy and win the tournament for a record 3rd time.
The defender will play for Dabang Mumbai in the upcoming edition of the Hockey India League.
