New Delhi, July 7 (NationPress) The India A men's hockey squad is gearing up for their anticipated European tour, kicking off with their first match against Ireland at the Hockey Club Oranje-Rood in Eindhoven, Netherlands on Tuesday. This European tour, organized by Hockey India, will encompass eight matches against several elite European teams, aimed at providing crucial international exposure to a blend of emerging talents and seasoned players.

The team, rich in both youth and experience, is under the captaincy of Sanjay, who is optimistic about the tour. Ahead of the inaugural match, he remarked, “This European tour presents a fantastic opportunity for our squad. We anticipate facing challenging encounters and are eager to measure our skills against these competitive teams. The blend of youth and seasoned players in our lineup will be instrumental during these matches.”

The India A team is scheduled to play two matches each against Ireland, France, and the Netherlands, along with single matches against England and Belgium. These high-stakes games are expected to scrutinize the depth and readiness of India’s talent pool as the national team seeks to develop a robust pipeline for the senior squad.

Sanjay further stated, “The India A men's team understands the challenges ahead and the toughness of the opposition. Competing away from home adds a different dimension. However, we have prepared diligently, and our senior players have been instrumental in helping the younger members acclimatize and grasp the game's demands at this level.”

While the opening match against Ireland is on the horizon, the team is focused on the broader picture and anticipates significant benefits from this tour. Captain Sanjay emphasized that this serves as a crucial stepping stone for the Indian men’s hockey team.

He noted, “The Europe tour for the India A men’s hockey team is a vital platform to break into the senior team. We are all eager to enhance our skills and align with European hockey standards, leaving a lasting impression for senior coaches and selectors.”

“While achieving good results is essential, our primary focus will be on executing quality hockey throughout the upcoming matches. Our goal is to fine-tune our combinations and implement our strategies effectively. We have dedicated ourselves in training, and we hope that effort shines through once we step onto the field,” he concluded.

The first match between India A and Ireland is scheduled for July 8.