Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2018: India hockey army takes on Argentina
Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2018: India hockey army takes on Argentina
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The opening match of Sultan Azlan Shah cup 2018 for men in blue will begins today. The men’s hockey team begin a crucial string of tournaments against Olympic champions Argentina in the opening match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup on Saturday. Coach Sjoerd Marijne will continue to rotate his squad that he hopes will expand the talent base while keeping everyone fit for the busy 2018 hockey calendar. The Commonwealth Games in April, the Hockey Champions Trophy, the Asian Games in August, the Asian Champions Trophy in October and the World Cup to end the year.

The squad includes three debutants in defender Mandeep Mor and forwards Sumit Kumar and Shilanand Lakra. Apart from rotation, it will also tell his players that no one’s place is guaranteed in Marijne’s team. The tournament, with world No 1 Australia, Argentina, England, Ireland and tournament hosts Malaysia, will give Marijne the opportunity to narrow down on a core group before the high-profile events.

Senior midfielder player Sardar Singh, considered passed his peak, has returned after not featuring in the Hockey World League (HWL) Final. Sardar will captain the side, while forward Ramandeep Singh has been made his deputy. There are a few big names missing defenders Rupinder Pal Singh, Birender Lakra and Kothajit Singh, attackers SV Sunil and Akashdeep Singh, captain Manpreet Singh and firstchoice keeper PR Sreejesh.

 

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