India can win medals at big-ticket events this year, says Manpreet Singh
After finishing with a bronze medal last year in the Hockey World League finals, skipper Manpreet Singh believes that his team can win at the big-ticket events like the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and Commonwealth Games. A win at the Asia Cup next will allow India to directly qualify for 2020 Tokyo Games.
India had a stellar 2017 in terms of winning medals and getting results. They started the year with a bronze medal in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia and ended the year by winning a bronze medal in the Hockey World League Final in their own backyard. India’s captain, Manpreet Singh, is confident that his team has the capability of winning big tournaments like Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and the Commonwealth Games and is going to put a spirited show this year again.
“We have had sufficient rest, both physically and mentally, and are ready to take on the challenges that lie in front of us this season, starting with the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2018," said the Indian skipper.
The highlight of India's success last year was the gold medal at the Asia Cup in Dhaka that would have enabled India to qualify for the World cup, which is scheduled to take place in India from November 28. But, being the host nation India need not have to be crowned as the Asian champions.
"We had a good run last year but this year we look to retain our crown at the Asian Games, thereby, directly qualifying for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo,” said Manpreet Singh, reported PTI.
With the World Cup starting from November 28, India
"The biggest opportunity for us is the prospect of winning the World Cup in our own backyard so we will give our all to prepare in the best way possible, starting with the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and then the Commonwealth Games," Manpreet said.
The Indian team started the 2018 season by finishing second in the Four Nations Invitational Tournament in New Zealand, as they lost two Belgium in the finals of both the legs. The other participating teams were New Zealand and the 16th ranked Japan. Though India finished second, India did concede 17 goals in the tournament in New Zealand, which has been a source of worry for the captain.
"Defence will be the priority in this camp as we look to execute our plans in the back better during crucial stages of a match. However, in the modern game, the efficiency of the defence also relies on how well you can defend as a team and not just individuals or the players playing the role. Manpreet has represented India in more than 200 matches since making his international debut in 2011 and believes that in order to play consistently at the highest level, it is important to take care of fitness,” said the 25-year-old.
Fitness levels will have to be up to mark as India will participate in five tournaments this year namely, Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Asian Champions Trophy and finally The World Cup.
“We have a crucial period ahead where we play five important tournaments so it is critical for us to keep working on our fitness levels during Camp as well as when we are on tour. Fitness is of paramount to deliver on the turf, and I believe that this year we have had a good amount of rest to recharge, so we are all are raring to go," the 25-
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