Indian Hockey team eagerly await Pakistan clash

Vice captain P.R. Sreejesh is excited to test a new, stronger defence strategy

PR Sreejesh, Vice-Captain and Goalkeeper of the Indian Men’s Hockey team, stated that the defence of the team has strengthened. He talked about playing against arch-rivals Pakistan, and is looking forward to carrying out Paul van Ass’ new strategy in the upcoming FIH Hockey World League Semi-Final that commences on the 20th of June this year.

The Indian team veteran said that the ‘new way’ of defending instilled in the team by the Dutch coach gives him an added security in goal.

Speaking on the upcoming tournament, Sreejesh said, “The team in the last few many weeks has worked on various combinations and strategies keeping in mind the important tournaments that are lined up in the next fourteen months.

“The new way of attacking with 10 and defending with 10 gives me that extra confidence, as now I feel my fort has been strengthened. This will give us that extra edge and I am hoping that this will help put the pressure and in the meantime also allow us to score through those half opportunities.”

India have been grouped into Pool A alongside Australia, France, Poland and neighbours and traditional rivals Pakistan. Although India start their opening campaign against France on 20th June, Srejeesh said the team is already looking forward to the second last match of the group stage on 26th June against Pakistan.

He added, “For me our clash against Pakistan will be the most awaited.”