We want to play hockey in aggressive, attacking manner: Indian defender Birendra Lakra

Indian hockey team defender Birendra Lakra said the side wants to play the game in an aggressive and attacking manner.

The team has displayed this very intent in their previous FIH Hockey Pro League matches.

"Playing aggressive and attacking hockey, pushing for goals and those important circle penetrations is the style of hockey we as a team want to play. Although chief coach Graham's training often involves high-intensity sessions where he likes to see the quality attack, he is also very clear of his expectations from the team's defence," Lakra said.

India's head coach Graham Reid also believes that solid defence can win matches and win tournaments.

"Graham tells us that a strong line of defence can not only win matches but it can also win us tournaments. In the past, there have been times when we have slipped up in defence in the final moments of the match. But I believe we have improved in this aspect over the past couple of months and Coach often says our defence starts with our forward line," the seasoned defender said.

Lakra who had missed the 2016 Rio Olympics due to knee surgery is working towards securing a spot in the team for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

"I may be an experienced defender in the team but I can't take my place for granted. Each one of us have to earn our place in the squad for Tokyo and this means we give our 100 per cent in training and matches. I was very unlucky to miss the Rio Olympics due to injury but this time I am really working hard to play the best hockey for my team," Lakra concluded.