Forwards at an advantage in new hockey format: Raghunath

Raghunath

New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) The Indian men's hockey team's strategy and tactics will be up for scrutiny during the Asian Games as the sport begins a new era under a fresh format, introduced in a bid to make the game faster.

Four 15-minute quarters will replace two 35-minute halves, bringing game tactics more into focus. The Asian Games will be the first tournament where the new format will be enforced.

"The forward line will gain maximum advantage from the new format as they will get time to rest, that will keep them in shape to generate maximum attack and creating more penalty corner opportunities. We will try not to let go of any penalty corner opportunities," defender V.R. Raghunath said Thursday.

He added that the team is working on rectifying mistakes committed in the recently held Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

"The team is preparing to face the toughest of situations that might arise during the upcoming matches. We have concentrated on the footwork of midfielders and defenders to have good coordination to handle pressure together."