Germany will have a tough time against us: Lalit Upadhay

Indian hockey team striker Lalit Upadhay said Saturday that they will make life difficult for Olympic champions Germany when they meet in the first match of the Champions Trophy starting Dec 6 at the Kalinga Stadium here.

"I am confident for the upcoming tournament and I am looking at playing and contributing towards the winning form that the team is in. I am proud to be a part of this team who is full of confidence to take on any challenge on the field today. We are improving ourselves each day and I am sure Germany will have a tough time against us on Saturday," the 21-year-old Lalit said.

Meanwhile, local boy Birendra Lakra said that the team is shaping up nicely for the eight-nation tournament under the interim coach Roelant Oltmans.

"The team is looking confident under Roelant and he is helping us in avoiding the errors and giving us tips which we are inculcating in our play. The team is confident of a win against Germany in the first match and we are putting our strategies together by watching videos and our last few clashes against them"

Lakra, 24, said that he is excited to play on his home ground.

"I am excited and looking forward to play on my home ground and in front of my home crowd. I will try to give my best and support as much as I can to Sardar Singh in the mid-field."