Team India need to raise their game: hockey coach Oltmans

After win over arch-rivals Pakistan, India coach says team needs to improve when they face China today before squaring up to hosts Malaysia tomorrow

Indian players celebrate a goal against Pakistan during the Asian Champions Trophy tie in Kuantan, Malaysia on Sunday. Inset: Roelant Oltmans

Kuantan (Malaysia): On a high after their win over arch-rivals Pakistan, India now eye wins against China and hosts Malaysia on successive days to finish on top of the round-robin league stage of the fourth Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament. India will play lowly China today before squaring up to the home team tomorrow.

Top-ranked India are on course for the leading spot in the round-robin league, which could ensure them a favourable semi-final fixture. But the draw against South Korea means India are two points behind Malaysia.

The victory over Pakistan has reinvigorated the Indian team but team coach Roelant Oltmans says the boys need to improve on Sunday's fine show. "We were much stronger than Pakistan yesterday (Sunday), but we need to raise our game further. We can improve on this performance," says Oltmans.

Missing some key players who are recuperating from injuries, Oltmans says the return to competitive hockey after the post-Olympic break has provided opportunity to several youngsters to showcase their skills.

The coach wants his strikers to make their presence in the rival territory count and earn penalty corners. "We need to have more penalty corners. Make no mistake, China can give a tough contest," he said.

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