Sreejesh key pillar of our fort: Sunil

India's hockey forward S.V. Sunil Wednesday heaped praise on vice captain P.R. Sreejesh for being the pillar of strength for the team and also credited the Kerala goalkeeper for helping him evolve as a player.

"Our goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh is like the pillar of our fort. Sreejesh has always given me tips on how to go through the opponents defence and which I have applied in my games. I have always taken his guidance seriously and it has helped me better myself as a player," the 25-year-old Karnataka played said.

Sunil also hoped to continue to be a threat for the opponent's goalkeeper in the Asian Games starting here Friday.

"I will aim to create sufficient tension in the opposite camp so as to sneak the ball in the goal. I will strive to create a strategic game play to make the winning strike. Speedy passing and possession of the ball within the forward line-up is going to help us create more opportunities and currently our practice sessions are focusing on the same," he added.

Meanwhile, the women's team mid-fielder Navjot Singh said that the team is confident of topping the pool.

"The team is high on morale and we are confident to top our Pool in the group phase. Our training session today was more on speed, coordination and passes. We are confident of starting the tournament on a winning note. The weather is good and we have acclimatized to the conditions here," she said.

"Playing with experienced players at the midfield position including our Captain Ritu Rani, Vandana Katariya and Sushila Chanu, I have gained a lot of experience which is helping me grow as a player each day. With a synchronized combination of young and experienced players, I am confident that the team will generate desirable results," she added.