Working on new strategies: Hockey defender Birendra Lakra

Indian hockey team defender Birendra Lakra Monday said that they are working on new strategies which will help them perform well in the Champions Trophy starting Dec 6 at the Kalinga Stadium here.

Today, we worked on various variations and team combinations and we also implemented a few new strategies," the 24-year-old said.

"Our training session is going very good. We have adapted ourselves with the ground and the atmosphere here. The morning practice sessions are good for all us as we start the session with a fresh mind," Birendra, who has played in 87 international matches, added.

India will take on Olympic champions Germany Dec 6, followed by matches against Argentina (Dec 7) and The Netherlands (Dec 8).

Meanwhile, Odisha Sports Minister Sudam Marandi met the Sardar Singh-led Indian team and tried to motivate the players to do well in the eight-nation tournament.

"It is a delight to see these young men working religiously to make our country proud every minute. Watching this team practicing with so much zeal and enthusiasm is a motivation in itself and I am certain that they will all keep adding to the pride and laurels for India in the coming years. Wishing all the teams good luck and may the best team win," Marandi said.