Lanco International Super Hockey Series to be played according to new rules and regulations
The Lanco International Super Hockey Series will be held at the Perth Hockey Stadium, in Perth, Western Australia, from October 20 to 23. The change in rules and regulations has become the main topic of discussion with regard to this event.
Four teams, India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Australia, will compete for the title in the men’s category while three, Australia, Malaysia and India, will lock horns to bag the series in the women’s class.
The new format of the game has resulted in many rules of the original version of the game being changed while new ones are being introduced.
A major change in the game is that each team will feature nine players instead of the original eleven.
Moreover, the goalpost is a metre wider as compared to its original size.
The game will be played in two halves of fifteen minutes.
One player from each side will remain in the opponent’s half for the entire period.
The penalty corner will be executed by four players facing two defenders along with the custodian.
In case of a draw, the striker must complete his shot in eight seconds in the penalty shootouts.
Advocates of the new format believe that these new rules will enhance the players’ aggressiveness, giving them more space to exhibit their skills.
However, it will require the players to maintain a higher level of fitness as they will be playing a much tougher game compared to the traditional one.
“It is a very fast game and we are still getting used to the style and the rules. I am sure we will enjoy the tournament. The idea is to entertain the spectators”, shared Jasjit Kaur, the vice-captain of the Indian Women’s national hockey team.
When asked about his views, the Indian Women’s team coach, C.R. Kumar, said that it was a good concept and is sure to gain widespread popularity among the spectators.
“The pace and the fact that there will be more goals can be exciting to watch. It will be tough no doubt because it will require a lot of energy,” C.R. Kumar added.
Peter Verghese, Australian High Commissioner, also seemed to be very convinced about the new format of the game. He believes that the new idea will achieve its objective of bringing India and Australia closer to each other.
The Indian men and women's teams are expected to arrive in Perth on Wednesday, October 12.
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