Ipoh, March 28
Their final berth already sealed, favourites India would look to test their attacking prowess and aim for a big win when they take on lower-ranked Poland in their final league match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here on Friday.
The last round league matches, thus, have become inconsequential for all the teams but both India and South Korea would look to keep their winning momentum intact. Against world No. 21 Poland, it should be an easy match for world No. 5 India. The Indians had a pretty good outing in the tournament so far, barring one match, against the Koreans. “We are not going to take it lightly against Poland. We are determined to keep performing to the best of our abilities, and to win our remaining two matches based on good performances,” young striker Mandeep Singh said. “I feel tomorrow’s match against Poland will also give us a chance to prepare well for the final against Korea.” In other inconsequential matches on Friday, South Korea will take on Japan while Malaysia will finish their campaign against Canada.
Shivendra set for assistant coach
Former India centre forward Shivendra Singh is set to be appointed assistant coach of the national men’s hockey team and will start working with the side next month. Shivendra will exclusively work with the strikers and form an integral part of the Indian coaching staff set to be headed by Australian Graham Reid.
Former Australian drag-flicker Chris Ciriello, who is the current analytical coach, will be the other assistant coach in the new set-up. — PTI
5 With five titles under their belt, India are the second-most successful team in the Azlan Shah Cup behind Australia (10)
8 India would be looking to end their eight-year title jinx. India’s last triumph here came way back in 2010 when they shared the title with Korea after the match was abandoned due to rain
from The Tribune https://ift.tt/2UdC4NV
via Today’s News Headlines
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