Hockey: India Need Good Exposure Before Big Events, Says Sardar Singh

The Indian men's hockey team returned here on Tuesday after their creditable 3-1 Test series win against world champions Australia in Perth. Skipper Sardar Singh said India were on the right track ahead of the Champions Trophy in Orissa next month.

India have been a roll in recent months. A silver at the Commonwealth Games - India lost to Australia in the final - and a gold at Asian Games in Incheon have been the highlights. Weeks before the high-profile FIH Champions Trophy, Sardar feels the Australian win was good preparation. ('India's Series Win vs Australia Motivation for Champions Trophy')

"I am extremely happy with the way our team has performed in the entire series. And there could be no better gift to my completion of 200 international caps than this win," said Sardar, adding "We need such exposure trips before big events."

After losing the first game, India came back to win three games on-the-trot to seal one of their most memorable series wins. The visitors had been thrashed 4-0 in the first game, but they made a strong comeback to register 2-1, 1-0 and 3-1 wins respectively in their next three matches. (Hockey India Announces Inaugural Award)

"This will act as a motivation for the boys to give a better performance in the upcoming Champions Trophy. I am confident that the boys will perform well in the upcoming tournament," said Sardar.

India will be playing their first match against Germany in the Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar December 6 to 14.