Hockey team leaves for the Netherlands

The 18-member Indian Hockey team left for the Netherlands on Sunday morning to participate in the six-nation Champions Trophy after a a 20-day training camp at Lucknow.

Chief coach Rajendra Singh said that his boys were in a high spirit and they would certainly perform their best in the championship.

He said the players were ready to give their best during their game with Germany's 'B' team.

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"The players are keen to display their talent and skill by repeating the feat they achieved in the last two tournments in Germany and Australia," he added.

However, the coach admitted that humid weather in Lucknow had some negative impact on the training as a couple of players suffered from dehydration.

The Indian probables started their Lucknow camp from July 21 after reaching here from Himachal Pradesh, where they had a brief outing following their success in the last two international tournaments.

Skipper Dhanraj Pillai said that he was confident that the team would play the best game and would revive the lost glory of the country in this sport.

Dhanraj also appreciated the facilities provided during their Lucknow camp by the official sponsors Sahara India.

"We had a wonderful time", he exclaimed.

- UNI