Manpreet Singh believes Tour to Australia will build India’s confidence

After losing the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament in Malaysia, the Indian men’s team has a target of finishing at the top at the FIH Series Finals which is scheduled to be played next month in Bhubaneswar. Meanwhile, before the tournament in June, which will be the first step towards Olympic qualification, Hockey India has organised a tour to Australia for the Indian side under the guidance of new coach Graham Reid.

Manpreet is of the opinion that playing against a strong team like Australia will help the side to build confidence before the FIH Series Finals.

"Playing a world class team like Australia ahead of the important Series in June will only help build our confidence. We had a good tournament in Malaysia in March and some of the youngsters did well there,” Manpreet told Hockey India ahead of the team’s departure. 

The Hockey India selectors have added youngster Jaskaran Singh into the 18-member squad for the Australia tour. Arman Qureshi is also making a comeback into the side after a long time and Gursahibjit Singh, who had made his debut in Malaysia in March, is also a part of the touring team. 

The skipper has also said that he is confident of the players doing well and living up to the expectations. 

“While Jaskaran Singh will make his International debut, it will be Gursahibjit's second tournament with the Indian team and Armaan Qureshi is also returning to the team after a long gap. I am confident these players will live up to the expectations. It will be good exposure for them against the World No.2 side,” the 26-year-old signed off.