Indian junior hockey team to take on Germany in opening tie

NEW DELHI: The Indian junior men's hockey team will clash against Germany in their opening match of the Volvo International U-21 tournament which will get underway on July 18 with six teams competing against each other in a round-robin format.

High on confidence after their title win at the Sultan of Johor Cup, the Indian team will be looking at continuing their good form in the upcoming tournament.

Speaking post a practice session, defender Harmanpreet Singh said: "It's a very important tournament for us as post this we will be playing the Men's Junior Asia Cup 2015 in November this year and hence we have to be sure that we are in line with our strategies by that time.

"The team is very confident of a winning start and it will be about getting the penalty corners and convert them."

Speaking on Dipsan Tirkey, he added: "He is a huge morale boost in the defence chain and I look at him to be the key member here for the tournament.

"The way he tackles the opponents is amazing and I'm trying to learn these tricks from him."

The Volvo International U-21 Men Tournament will be held in Breda, The Netherlands from July 18-25. The Men's Junior Asia Cup will be played in Malaysia from November 14 to 22, followed by the FIH Junior World Cup 2016 (Men) from December 1 to 11 next year.