Tougher test awaits Indian hockey team in Spain

After a cruise against France, a tougher test awaits the Indian men’s hockey team when it takes on Spain in a three-match series starting here on Monday.

Both India and Spain put up a challenging performance in The Netherlands at the 2014 World Cup where they settled for a 1-1 draw. They had also met in the 2013 World League Semi-Finals where India had gone down 2-4 against the men from Spain in a position match.

While Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh will be guarding the net, Gurjinder Singh will be looked out for his drag-flicking skills after his brace which helped the team clinch the series in France.

Speaking ahead of the Spanish battle, chief coach Roelant Oltmans said: “The team is confident post the recent win against France. I have seen a significant improvement in the boys and they have immensely worked on their strategies and tactics by rectifying their mistakes committed in the last matches. Our defence is a huge strength for us and I hope we start the campaign on a winning note tomorrow.”

Captain Sardar Singh added: “The aim will be to put pressure on Spain from the onset and work on all departments beginning with defence, ball possession and attacking strategy. I hope we continue the winning streak and confront the opponents confidently tomorrow.”

India are ranked eighth in the FIH rankings and Spain 10th.