Great Britain’s hockey team named for Sultan Azlan Shah Cup – Field Hockey News
The Men’s field hockey team of Great Britain to take part in the upcoming Malaysia-based Sultan Azlan Shah Cup has been named. An 18-member squad comprised of 14 players and four officials was announced on Tuesday.
Among the fourteen, twelve belonged to England while two others hailed from Scotland. They all, representing their native countries, took part in the last year’s Commonwealth Games held in New Delhi, India. Matt Daly rejoined the squad after a long time
while Iain Lewers is also picked up for the first time in the Great Britain squad.
After recovering from a major injury, Daly is going to contest the international event after two years. It will be his first appearance since acquiring a victory in the European Championship with the English squad back in 2009. Owing to a torn hamstring
and surgery, the 28-year-old English player could not join his team in the World Cup, Commonwealth Games and the Champions Trophy.
Iain Lewers, the Ireland-born hockey player is going to contest his first event with the Great Britain squad. While getting training with the team, he succeeded to impress the selectors and got a spot in the upcoming event.
Seven of the world’s best hockey playing teams will take part in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup which is scheduled to be played from 5-15 May in Ipoh, Malaysia. Pakistan, Australia, India, New Zealand, Korea and the host Malaysia will be among the other contestants.
Jason Lee, the head coach of British squad while talking to the media said that participation in the Malaysia-based tournament will be a great opportunity for them prior to the Olympic Games.
He stated, “We would not normally be able to attend a high calibre international tournament as Great Britain this early in an Olympic cycle so competing in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is a unique opportunity for us. We will be including Iain Lewers for the
first time and welcoming back Scotland’s Stephen d**k and Niall Stott in a GB shirt as well as Matt Daly.”
The head coach maintained that the weather conditions including the heat and humidity in Malaysia will be a real ordeal for the fighting spirit of the squad. He further stated that they will have to develop a high quality game and battling-sprit ahead of
the London Gala.
Great Britain is competing for the Sultan Azlan Shah Tournament for the first time. However the English team had played five editions of the tournament. It is vital to mention here that England clinched the title of the tournament back in 1994.
Following the Azlan Shah Cup, England will take part in the European Championship to defend their title. Following that, the team will partake in the Champions Trophy in December, 2011.
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