The Indian junior men's hockey team will brace up for its stiffest test of late when the boys lock horns with 15 other top teams from the world at home.
There were no major surprises in the 18-man squad announced by Hockey India at a gala event. Led by Manpreet Singh, who is now also a regular in the senior squad and captained the juniors to Sultan of Johor Cup trophy earlier this year, the squad has been undergoing a training camp for the last 10 days and looks in good shape under the watchful eyes of coach Gregg Clark.
IBNLive got in touch with skipper Manpreet, who threw light on the team's preparations and aspirations, while hoping that he and his boys can secure a top-four position in the Dec 6-15 tournament here at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
How well are you prepared for the World Cup?
Our training has covered every aspect and I am very sure that the team is ready for its big date and really looking forward to get the ball rolling.
How was the Asian Champions Trophy experience? Will you call it a setback (India finished 5th) or a wake-up call at the right time?
First of all, I would like to thank Hockey India for giving juniors the opportunity to play the Asian Champions Trophy. It obviously has given all of us a great exposure; the feeling of being on the international ground against Asian countries, most of who had senior players. If we were to win [the tournament], it would really have been a big bonus but I guess we are happy with the way how all of us learned new lessons and improvised working together. I am very sure all those lessons and experiences will help us in the World Cup.
Do you think it was the right decision to pick 13 junior players for a senior tournament like the Asian Champions Trophy?
As I mentioned earlier, the juniors were picked to help prepare for the world cup and yes, it was absolutely the best decision in the interest of our preparations.
What do you think will be your team's strong points?
For me, our team's strongest point will be counter-attack and defence as we have talented juniors in those positions.
What weaknesses the team will have to be careful about?
It is obvious that our weakness is penalty corners, and our training before the World Cup has concentrated mainly on that particular area.
Which players do you feel can turn out to be the stars for India?
I believe Ramandeep, Malak, Harjit and Talwinder are the rising stars of India. They always give their best on and off the field. With proper training, practice and international exposure, they will only get better. I sincerely hope they are on top soon.
The team hasn't done so well on penalty corners. What do you think is the problem and how has the team worked on that?
Maybe our full-backs lacked experience and exposure, maybe that's why they lacked somewhere in technique. But now our drag-flickers are being trained by penalty-corner specialist Sandeep Singh. I hope they absorb all the skills from Paaji and use it to good effect during the World Cup.
You have Netherlands, Korea and Canada in your pool. Do you think it is the toughest pool?
From my point of view, every pool is tough. We will just play our best and yes, we want to win.
India's toughest match could be the first one against the Netherlands. What are your thoughts on that game?
I can't deny they are one of the strongest teams, but the same goes for India, right? Do expect a good fighting match.
Where do you see India finishing on December 15?
We will be in top four, God willing.
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