New Delhi: India have a tough opener in the Junior Hockey World Cup for Men, when they take on last edition's runners-up Holland here on December 6.
Playing in front of home crowds can be unnerving at times, but India midfielder Imran Khan said they would have the benefit of competing in familiar conditions.
“I am 100 per cent ready for the game here on Friday,“ said Imran. “We have the advantage of playing at our home ground. We will focus on the game in hand and give our best in every match. We will take it one game at a time.“
Emphasis has been put on penalty corner conversions, an area that is not India's strength. “The team have worked very hard on the short corners and will strive to convert every possible corner into a goal,“ the youngster said.
Added coach Gregg Clark, “We have a very talented young team, who have practised very hard for short corners and the penalty shootouts.
“Each one is aware of their strength and they utilise that to the best of their ability. I am sure playing this international tournament will be very enriching for the entire team and am confident that players from this team will soon be seen representing the senior team“.
Holland, who went through their first training session on the day, were equally confident.
Said coach Sjoerd Marijne, “The bunch is very tough and stable. We are geared up for the challenge.
“All the teams are strong and anyone can win the match on the given day .
The boys are confident about their first match against India and we aim to start this tour with a win“.
Team manager Floris Evers, who retired after the 2012 London Olympic Games, said he reckoned India skipper Manpreet Singh and striker Mandeep Singh were the biggest threats to his side.
“For me, these two are their toughest players and I hope we see the clash between India and Netherlands in the final,“ said Evers, who was part of the Ranchi Rhinos team in the inaugural Hockey India League, along with the Indian duo.
