Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, August 22: Young defender Dipsan Tirkey of Orissa is determined to produce a dominant performance when the India U-21 men’s hockey team attempts to defend its crown at the Vth Sultan of Johor Cup at Johor Bahru, Malaysia from October 11-18.
The Indians, who won the title last year, will have to contend with the likes of Australia, Great Britain, Argentina, Malaysia and Pakistan as they attempt to defend their title. They will lock horns with arch-rivals Pakistan in the opening match of the tournament.
The 17- year old Dipsan, who has formed an exellent combination with fellow defender Harmanpreet Singh in recent months, is confident that the Indians will be able to defend their title.
“I am very excited as we will be playing the top teams in the upcoming Sultan of Johor Cup. The challenge will be tough but having an advantage of being the defending champions, we are looking forward to retain the title for India,” Dipsan stated.
“We are motivated and also want to achieve a similar feat in the upcoming tournament and aim at giving our best to help the team to reach for the title,” he added.