Working to put up better show in Champions Trophy, says Odisha hockey star Birendra Lakra

Bhubaneswar, Dec 1:

Indian hockey defender Birendra Lakra Monday said that the team is working on new strategies which will help them perform well in the Champions Trophy starting December 6 at the Kalinga Stadium in Odisha’s capital city.

Today, we worked on various variations and team combinations and we also implemented a few new strategies,” the 24-year-old said.

“Our training session is going very good. We have adapted ourselves with the ground and the atmosphere here. The morning practice sessions are good for all us as we start the session with a fresh mind,” Birendra, who has played in 87 international matches, added.

India will take on Olympic champions Germany December 6, followed by matches against Argentina on December 7 and The Netherlands on December 8.

Meanwhile, state Sports and Youth Affairs minister Sudam Marandi met the Indian team and tried to motivate the players to do well in the eight-nation tournament.

“It is a delight to see these young men working religiously to make our country proud every minute. Watching this team practicing with so much zeal and enthusiasm is a motivation in itself and I am certain that they will all keep adding to the pride and laurels for India in the coming years. Wishing all the teams good luck and may the best team win,” Marandi said. (IANS)