Another test for Indian hockey

After a none-too-impressive fifth placing at the World Cup qualifier in Edinburgh, a new-look Indian side begins its campaign in the Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament against hosts Malaysia on Thursday.

India's decision to field a second string side -- in order to provide rest to some of its senior players and allow the juniors an opportunity to prove their worth -- has expectedly not been welcomed by the Malyasian authorities, who had clearly stated earlier they would not accept a 'B' team from India.

Thus, it came as no surprise when the first question posed to India team coach Baldev Singh on arrival pertained to the absence of star forward Dhanraj Pillay and the reason for sending a second string side to one of the most prestigious hockey tournaments in the world.

Except for four players -- captain Mukesh Kumar, Sabu Varkey, Bimal Lakra, Dilip Tirkey and Devesh Chauhan -- the rest of the team comprises relatively inexperienced players.

"Dhanraj refused to attend the Azlan Shah training camp; he's having some problems with the Indian Hockey Federation."

That was all that the Malaysian media could get from Baldev Singh as he ducked into the Hotel Concorde Ball Room to join the Indian team for lunch before a short rest and then for training at the Bukit Jalil stadium.

The coach also refused to weigh India's chances in a strong seven-team field, saying India's decision to field a junior team is a "part of the build-up for the 2002 World Cup".

"We are prepared, but if you think we will give you miracles, then that's a wrong assessment of why we are here. India has two teams and they are training and playing so that we find a bunch of players capable of performing well at the 2002 World Cup. All this is part of the campaign," the coach said.

But Baldev Singh does not rule out surprises. "Of course, some of the juniors are doing well and, maybe, they would just play some outstanding hockey here. This team has commitment and that is what shines through."

Former German coach, and now Malaysia's hockey supremo, Paul Lisek said he will be wary of the Indian team, but added the Malaysians are well prepared to start on a winning note.

"I have seen Mukesh and rate their deep defender Dilip Tirkey very highly, but I hardly know anything about the rest of the team. And also their qualifying for the World Cup wasn't a very impressive showing," he said.

In the three matches that kick-off the tournament, Pakistan take on Australia, South Korea play England and then hosts Malaysia take on India in the third match of the day.

Pakistan had two sessions of training and their coach Shahbaz Ahmed is confident that Pakistan, the defending champions, will retain the title. Pakistan also won the title in 1999.

The Indian squad:
Goalkeeper: Bharat Kumar Chettri, Devesh Chauhan.
Full-backs: Bikramjeet Singh, Anurag Raghuvanshi, Dilip Tirkey, Jugraj Singh.
Halves: Sukhbir Singh Gill, Bimal Lakra, M K Prakash, Paramjeet Singh, Ignace Tirkey.
Forwards: Mukesh Kumar (capt), Sabu Varkey, Deepak Thakur, Tejbir Singh, Parminder Singh, Baljit Singh Chandi and Daljit Singh.

Also read:
Lessons to be learnt from qualifier, says Cedric D'Souza