5 things we learned from the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup

Defense needs to be a key area of work

A strong young attack needs to be backed up by good defenders

India’s attack has been very strong at this year’s Sultan Azlan Shah cup, with some of its new talent proving both tenacious and aggressive. With captain Sardar Singh taking charge in every way and leading from the front, India’s strikers have been attacking their rivals significantly this year.

Taking the bull by the horns, both the team’s young and old talent have taken on rivals head-on, and even looked strong in an attacking stance against the top-ranked Australia at this year’s Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

That will stand them in good stead going into the Olympic Games, given they are ranked 7^th in the world and will take on teams much stronger than themselves at the tournament. Some of the team’s younger players and newest additions have, in particular, shown their mettle at the tournament, and will strengthen India’s medal hopes at the Olympics should they be able to continue in the same vein against higher-ranked opponents.