I was always proud to lead the Indian team, says Sardar Singh

In the previous edition of the Azlan Shah Cup, the Indian hockey team finished the tournament as bronze medalists after beating New Zealand in the third-place play-off by four goals. England won the tournament last time when they defeated the mighty Australians in the final in a close encounter that ended with a score of 4-3.

It was Indian player Sardar Singh who led the team in the 2016 edition of the tournament, and the Punjab-lad will be looking forward to doing well this time as well. Singh admitted that it as a proud moment for him when he was chosen to lead the Indian national team.

“It is always a proud moment to lead the Indian team. But my role will be no different from what I have been doing in the camp where we seniors have taken the responsibility to guide the junior players in the squad.

"At tournaments too, it will be important to help them shake off the initial nervousness and I am confident with senior players like Ramandeep Singh, SK Uthappa, Surender Kumar and Talwinder Singh and very talented junior players, we will come up with a good show,” Singh said in an interview to PTI.

However, Sardar feels extremely confident this time around, as he claimed the team has enough fire power to defeat strong teams such as world number one Australia and reigning Olympic champions Argentina at the Azlan Shah Cup. Singh said that a strong beginning will certainly help the teams chances of progress in the upcoming tournament.

“It is extremely important to start the tournament well. A good match against Argentina will give the team the confidence for the rest of the matches to follow. Every match in the Pool Stage will be important to ensure a place in the final. We have beaten teams like Australia and England in the past and have done well against Argentina too. We just need to ensure we play in a structured manner and execute the team’s plans perfectly,” Sardar added.

The 18-member Indian Men's Hockey Team captained by Sardar left to play the 27th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2018 from the Kempegowda International Airport, last night. The Men in Blue will begin their campaign on March 3 versus 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist Argentina.