The Indian under-21 men’s hockey team aims to secure a record-extending sixth title, while the women’s team seeks to achieve a hat-trick of championships. Both defending champions will kick off their campaigns in the AHF Junior Asia Cup on Friday in Moqi.
The weather is a bit cooler , but conditions are good and we are really looking forward to Match 1,” said White in a press release issued by Hockey India. The team also played a series of friendly games at home against the Malaysian U-21 side in Bengaluru, followed by a three-match series against hosts China in Dalian.
The last game against China was very positive,” said coach Soyez. The women’s team, which lifted the Asia Cup trophy in the last two editions, will be led by mid-fielder Khaidem Shileima Chanu this time. The team has acclimatized well. “We feel our game is in good order and we are well prepared to play against the best teams in Asia. We are looking forward to seeing how our game plan is going to stand up against the best teams. I am sure the girls will do India proud. Defender Anmol Ekka will captain the side, while newly appointed coach Frederic Soyez will look to begin his tenure with a title win. “Our progression has been quite good.
The team has undergone a structured training programme under coach Tim White, who assumed charge earlier this year. “Our first game is against South Korea on Saturday, so we are preparing for that.
