New rule will work in our favour in Asian Games: Sreejesh

With new rules set to be introduced in the upcoming Asian Games, India's vice captain P R Sreejesh feels the change in format will work in their favour in Incheon as they have hands-on experience of playing a game of four quarters, courtesy Hockey India League.
To make the game more fast-paced and exciting, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) is set to transform the game from a 70-minute affair that was divided into two halves, to four quarters with a total playing time of 60 minutes in the Incheon Games to be held from September 19 to October 4.
And Sreejesh gave a thumbs-up to the new format.

"The new format of the game is actually going to act as an added advantage for us in the field. It will not affect us as we already have experience of playing in four quarters in the Hockey India League," Sreejesh said ahead of Indian men's opening game against Sri Lanka on September 21.
"It will not only make the game much faster, but will also offer time to the players to re-energise during every quarter," India's ace goalkeeper added.
Elaborating on the team's preparation for the continental extravaganza, Sreejesh said: "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."

He was of the view that with his electric pace down the flanks and incisive runs, striker S V Sunil will pose a serious threat to India's opponents in the Games.

"Standing on the other side of the field during the Commonwealth Games, I saw S V 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," he said.
"I hope he will carry on his Commonwealth Games form in the Asian Games and help us keep the opponents on the toes."

Meanwhile, young Manpreet Singh, who was recently adjudged as Asia's Junior Men Player of the Year, credited skipper Sardar Singh for his transformation into a relaible midfield player.
"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. Personally if I am successful as a midfielder today, it is because of Sardar Singh," Manpreet said.
"He plays a pivotal role in the team as well as in the midfield position. He is the inspiration for Danish (Mujtaba), Dharamvir (Singh), Chinglensana (Singh) and myself.