Two-day selection trials for Azlan Shah tournament concludes

Bangalore, Apr 21 (UNI) The two-day selection trials to pick the National Hockey team that plays in Sultan Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia from May five ended here today with Chief Coach Joaquim Carvalho promising a better show by the players in penalty corner conversions.

A 19-day camp, held at Sports Authority of India (Southern Centre) on the outskirts of the city, that preceded the trials saw the newly appointed Chief Coach and his Assistant M P Singh put the 45-strong campers through the rigours on all aspects of the game, especially the penalty corner conversion.

However, the preparation received a jolt as striker Bruno Lugun Hardian sustained an injury during the camp.

"The players are shaping well. They have shown improvement. But I am dissapointed with Bruno. But we are ready for the Malaysian challenge. The duration of the camp was trifle short. I am confident of a podium finish in Azlan Shah tournament," he hoped.

The three selectors Gurbux Singh, Harmik Singh and Ajit Pal Singh watched the players who played a few matches against local players and two teams formed among themselves. Gurbux seemed satisfied with the shape of the boys. "They look good. I can see that they are fit and ready for the coming tournament. Our main worry is penalty corner conversion. We hope they will put up an improved show this time," he said.

UNI