Hockey Champions Trophy: India Not in Awe of Germany, says Oltmans

Bhubaneswar: India's High Performance Director Roelant Oltmans on Tuesday said the hosts are determined to give a tough fight to their opponents and are geared up to face world no. 3 Germany in their opening match of the FIH Champions Trophy to be held here from December 6-14.

India are placed in a tough Pool B along side Germany, Netherlands and Argentina while Pool A consists of Australia, Pakistan, Belgium and England. 

"The team is very excited for the upcoming tournament and has been practicing consistently. The boys are determined to give a tough fight to the opponents. The team is looking confident and geared up to play its first match against Germany," Oltmans, who is in charge of the team after chief coach Terry Walsh's exit, said after a practice session at the Kalinga Stadium.

"I hope the team performs with the same enthusiasm which facilitates them every time to pull off a win against the competitors."

Dragflicker Rupinder Pal Singh said the team is brimming with confidence going into the eight-nation tournament.

"We are confident and aiming to continue the winning spree which is surely not an easy task. But I am sure our team is in the form to take challenges," Rupinder said.

"Having played against Germany earlier in international tournaments I am sure our first match against the Germans will be an interesting one."