Junior hockey team up for big test

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The Sultan of Johor Cup hockey tournament in Malaysia this month gives Junior India coach Gregg Clark one last opportunity to “test his wards“ before the big test at home -the Junior World Cup in December.As the squad of 33 went through their drills at the National Stadium here on Thursday evening, the South African kept a sharp eye on the players and special focus was put on team structure, technique, dragflick combinations and goalkeeping.“The players have progressed really well. For me to begin with, there was a lot of talent at disposal and it was about polishing the rough edges, making some technical improvements that were more relevant to current international hockey,“ said Clark, who took charge in April this year, “I think most people would tell you that India is a difficult country to travel to.There are cultural differences, but I have enjoyed all of it.“
Striker Mandeep is likely to be rested with either Ramandeep Singh or Malak Singh taking his place.