Azlan Shah Cup an important test for India, feels Oltmans

With a fresh outlook, new tactics and youngsters in the fold, the team tonight leaves for the prestigious tournament in Ipoh, Malaysia.

The tournament is the first major event in this year’s international calendar for the senior men’s team.

“While getting off to a good start is important, the most important thing for me is the finish - in December when we really have to be good. This tournament will give us an indication on the things we expect and test ourselves to see if the progress I expect to see is really on,” Oltmans said.

India will take on Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand, Japan and hosts Malaysia.

While India will be vying to improve their silver medal-finish last year, beating Australia will be on the players’ minds as the team has been a nemesis for long.

“Yes, in a way Australia has been a tough team to beat. Until last year they had a lot of senior players and were the most experienced team. In pressure situations, their past performances really helped them cope with that pressure and come up with good results,” said captain cum goalkeeper PR Sreejesh.

India had a 40-day long national camp where the team was put through a tough regime involving nearly five-six hours of intense training.