Michael Nobbs (Indian Hockey Coach) does not have very high expectations from the team selected for “Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2013” which is going to start in Malaysia from 9th of March.
But Coach is looking forward to use this tournament to develop a platform for new players. Coach said that tournament would serve as an ideal platform for identifying players for the Junior World Cup scheduled later this year.

“Nobbs said the main idea behind the decision to field an under-strength team was to prepare the youngsters for the FIH Junior World Cup to be held in India later this year.”

He Further Added:

“It is also a good opportunity to draft in some junior players as they are the future of Indian hockey. It will also create a healthy competition for places in the team. “Mandeep’s (Singh) performance in the Hockey World League is a prime example of the fact that junior players need development. Mandeep found international hockey lot tougher than Hockey India League. He has got talent but require development”.

This is important to note that Junior Coach Baljit Saini will also be the member of team visit to Malaysia.
On a question why not senior players not selected for this tournament, he said that we want to give rest to the senior players as we will have a tight schedule ahead.
Click here to view Full schedule of Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2013

The post Coach doesn’t have much expectations first appeared on The History Book of Indian Hockey.

The post Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2013 Complete Schedule first appeared on The History Book of Indian Hockey.