New hockey format will be an advantage, says Sreejesh

The new format of hockey will add a lot of zing to the sport as players will be able to re-energise themselves during the break between the quarters which will be an advantage for teams, including India, goalkeeper and vice-captain P.R. Sreejesh said Tuesday.

The Asian Games will be the first tournament where the new format of four quarters - each quarter comprising 15 minutes - barring the goal-celebration time and penalty corner execution time, will be applicable.

"The new format of the game is actually going to act as an added advantage in the field, as it will not only make the game much faster, but will also offer time to the players to re-energise during every quarter to fight more efficiently on the field," Sreejesh said.

The Indian team has already arrived in Incheon and is preparing to face Sri Lanka in their first pool game.

"The practice sessions have picked up pace and the whole team is training really hard to be ready to take on every challenge that is coming our way," Sreejesh said.

He also expects speedy forward S.V. Sunil to continue his good work at the Asiad.

"Standing on the other side of the field during the Commonwealth Games, I saw Sunil giving a tough time to the opponents whenever he used to enter their D."

"It used to create a furore of tension whenever Sunil was successful in penetrating through the opponents' defence. I look up to him to continue his Commonwealth Games form during the Asian Games and help us keep the opponents on their toes," the custodian from Kerala said.

Meanwhile, recently adjudged as the "Junior Male Player of the Year" by the Asian Hockey Federation, midfielder Manpreet Singh credited midfield general Sardar Singh for his success.

"The midfield position is a very important place as we have to keep the speed intact and ensure that we support both the defence as well as the forwards and personally, if I am successful as a midfielder, it is because of captain Sardar Singh," said the 22-year-old.

"He plays a pivotal role in the team as well as in the midfield position and he is the inspiration for Danish, Dharamvir, Chinglensana and myself," added Manpreet, who is also a former captain of the India U-21 squad which played the junior World Cup in 2013.