Hockey: New game-plan will help boost the mid-field position, says Sardar Sardar

Gearing up for the upcoming FIH Hockey World League Semi-Finals, Indian men's hockey captain Sardar Singh today said that his team is working on a new game plan, which is expected to give boost the mid-field position.

Placed in Pool A along side Australia, Pakistan, France and Poland, the skipper said India would be aiming for the top 2 finish in the league phase.

"The team is shaping up well. Our new game plan of 10 attacking and 10 defending gives the extra boost to the mid-field position, and this will also help in negating the counter attacks from the opponents," said Sardar.

"We are working on our speed also as we realise that this new strategy will work in our favour only if we keep pace with each other and not miss the vital passes," he explained.

Sardar said his side was looking to clash with World champions Australia and arch-rivals Pakistan in the upcoming tournament, scheduled to be played from June 20 to July 5.

"The boys are waiting to meet Australia and Pakistan.

While playing against Australia, we deliver our best hockey, and playing against Pakistan is always something we look forward to and a win against them will be very special," said Sardar.

India will begin their campaign against France on the opening day of the event, June 20th.