India eager to wrap up hockey series against Japan today

Back to winning ways, a confident Indian men’s hockey team would look to seal the four-match Test series against Japan when they lock horns in the third game at the Kalinga Stadium here tomorrow.

After a 1-1 draw in the series opener, India won the second game 2-0 yesterday. India scored two field goals through SK Uthappa and Dharamvir Singh to register their first win in the series.

Skipper Sardar Singh, who stole the show in the midfield yesterday, will look to continue his impressive work. Under the watchful eyes of chief coach Paul van Ass, Indian players are working on a variety of strategies and team combinations ahead of the Hockey World League semifinal to be held in Antwerp, Belgium from June 20 to July 5. The series against Japan, which is being organised as preparation for the Belgium event, brought to the forefront good performances from young players.