Champions Trophy Hockey: Indian Team Preparing Hard for German Challenge

The Indian hockey team is training hard for their Champions Trophy opener against Germany here on December 6.

The team was seen practicing on Saturday on a brand new pitch of the Kalinga Stadium.

Under Roelant Oltmans' guidance, the team was busy fine-tuning its skills ahead of the crucial tournament.

Speaking on the sidelines of the practice session, local boy Birendra Lakra said, "I am excited and looking forward to play on my home ground and in front of my home crowd. I will look at giving my best and support Sardar Singh at the mid field position. The team is looking confident under Roleant and he is helping us in closing the loops and giving us tips which we are inculcating in our play."

Lalit Upadhay added, "I am confident for the upcoming tournament and I am looking at playing and contributing towards the winning form that the team is in. I am proud to be a part of this team who is full of confidence to take on any challenge on the field. We are improving ourselves each day and I am sure Germany will have a tough time against us on Saturday."

Meanwhile, the Netherlands team also practised at the Kalinga Stadium in the morning.

Talking about Oltmans and the Indian team, captain Robert Horst said, "He is a very good coach and has been with the team for long now. He has a massive track record and I am sure the Indian team under him will give us a tough time.

"The Sardar Singh's led team has been doing well, their recent performances shows it all," he added.

The Netherlands side, which will be taking on Argentina in their first match, looked confident.

Goalkeeper Japp Stockmann believed that his team had the resources to deliver the goods.

"We are eight times gold medallists of Champions Trophy and are looking at taking the number up this time. The team is confident of achieving the goal set. Under Carlos we are improving and looking like a strong bunch under his guidance," said Stockmann.