The Indian hockey team is training hard for their Champions Trophy opener against Germany here on December 6. The team was seen practicing on Saturday on a brand new pitch 2 of the Kalinga Stadium. Under Roelant Oltmans’ guidance, the time was busy fine-tuning its skills ahead of the crucial tournament.

Speaking on the sidelines of the practice session, local boy Birendra lakra said, “I am excited and looking forward to play on my home ground and in front of my home crowd. I will look at giving my best and support Sardar Singh at the mid field position. The team is looking confident under Roleant and he is helping us in closing the loops and giving us tips which we are inculcating in our play.”

lalit Upadhay added, “I am confident for the upcoming tournament and I am looking at 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. We are improving ourselves each day and I am sure Germany will have a tough time against us on Saturday.”

Meanwhile, the Netherlands team also practised at the Kalinga Stadium.

Talking about Oltmans and the Indian team, captain Robert Horst said, “He is a very good coach and has been with the team for long now. He has a massive track record and I am sure the Indian team under him will give us a tough time. Sardar Singh’s team has been doing well, their recent performances shows it all,” he added.

Netherlands will be taking on Argentina in their first match. Goalkeeper Japp Stockmann sounded confident ahead of it. “We are eight times gold medallists of Champions Trophy and are looking at taking the number up this time," said Stockmann.