Bhubaneswar, Nov 27 (UNI) India hockey captain Manpreet Singh on Saturday said that his team is confident and looking forward to defend the Asian Champions Trophy title in Dhaka.
The tournament is slated to kick off on December 14, with India to take on Korea in their opening match. The Olympic bronze medal-winning team India will battle it out against Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan and hosts Bangladesh in the single-pool tournament for top honours.
"We are in pretty good shape for Asian Champions Trophy. We are focusing on our fitness. After the Olympics, there was a drop in our fitness levels. So, now we are looking to regain that. Everyone is giving their 100 percent," Manpreet said during a virtual press conference.
With several players, who were part of the Olympic squad being rested for the upcoming continental event including stalwart goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, Manpreet said that it will provide a good opportunity to young players to prove their mettle ahead of a busy season next year.
"Some of these youngsters have been patiently waiting for their chance and have been working really had to find a place in the team. I feel this is a great tournament to test these players and it's also a great opportunity for youngsters who have been given a chance to show their abilities," he added.
Manpreet further addressed India's prospect at the Asian Champions Trophy and what challenges they can expect in Dhaka.
"The tournament is quite important for us as it is our first big tournament after the Tokyo Olympics. The new cycle has started for us. Doing well in Dhaka is important for us. If we start well, then our confidence levels will go high. There are major tournaments lined up in 2022. Our aim is to set our minds and body for them," he added.
Harmanpreet Singh, who has been appointed as Manpreet's deputy for the tournament, reflected on the team's on-going preparations. He also added that the senior team is closely following the India Colts' performance at the ongoing FIH Odisha Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2021 in Kalinga stadium.
"While we are going through our preparations for the Asian Champions Trophy here in Bhubaneswar, we have also been closely following the Indian Junior side's performance and they have done well so far. I do have conversations with the defenders particularly as I had a few inputs to give them after their first match.
"I believe having four options for dragflick is a big advantage for this young India side as it is hard for the opponents to predict the variations they can use. I think if they continue to play with confidence, communicate well with each other and also play as one unit, they should be able to finish on podium," he added.
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