New Delhi: The Indian men hockey team is all set to depart from Indira Gandhi International Stadium, New Delhi on Thursday for the 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup to be played at Ipoh, Malaysia. The all important tournament is slated to take place from April 5-12.


In a tournament where six teams will be seen participating namely, India, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Malaysia and Canada, India will be seen clashing against Korea in their first match scheduled for 5th April 2015.


Speaking on the upcoming tournament, chief coach Paul van Ass said, "We are working on every department of the game, it’s not about focusing on only one area. The team has some strength and weaknesses and we have to work on improving the strength as well as find solutions to our weaknesses. I have spent a good amount of time with the team and I understand the team more each day. The aim is not to make major changes but to adapt according to the new system. The focus is on the improvement of technical skills of players. Players are in good shape and working hard. I am working on the 60 minutes that each player spends during the match. Suppose, a player keeps the ball for 2 minutes in a match, I am working on what he does in the rest of the 58 minutes of the game. Similar to this technique, we are working other aspects of the game as well. The team is very much prepared for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. We will put pressure on the opponents in each match and play all matches with the same intensity. We are looking forward to the tournament in Malaysia."


Talking on the sidelines of the tournament Birendra Lakra said, “The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup will be a good opportunity for our team and we are in good position now. The new Chief Coach is working well with us and we are learning new things about the game and various strategies. Our defence is strong and we are confident enough. "


India will play their first match against Korea at 15:40 HRS IST on April 5.