Pak hockey coach wary of India ahead of Azlan Shah Championship

Karachi, Apr.1 (ANI): Pakistan hockey coach Shahid Ali Khan is expecting a tough fight from arch rivals India in the forthcoming Azlan Shah tournament.

Khan said the Indian squad has been in tremendous form recently, and is a strong contender for the championship.

"India is a very tough team, something they've proved by beating Germany at home and New Zealand away in recent times," The News quoted Khan, as saying.

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He said his team has not participated in any international event for a long time now, which can have a detrimental effect on its chances of regaining the trophy and boosting Asia Cup hopes.

"Unlike India, Pakistan has not played any international game since last October, India has been playing regularly and that would help them in Malaysia," Khan said.

He particularly pointed out towards the Indian captain Sandeep Singh's capability to convert penalty corners into goals and sees the seasoned defender as one of the biggest hurdle in Pakistan's success.

"Sandeep is a very good short corner expert and is a big plus point for India," he said.

Pakistan would miss the services of their short corner ace Sohail Abbas during the trophy.

Khan, however, is hoping that new drag flickers in the team Muhammad Imran and Ehsanullah would click for them.

The Sultan Azlan Shah Trophy will be played in Ipoh, Malaysia from April 5 to12. (ANI)