WORKING ON DEFENCE, SAYS HOCKEY SKIPPER

Hockey skipper Manpreet Singh says the focus will be on fine- tuning the defence as the national campers began preparations for the upcoming Azlan Shah Cup tournament in March, that will be followed by the Commonwealth Games in April. As the 33- strong core group of probables got down to business, Manpreet said the boys were fresh after a twoweek break. Said Manpreet in Bengaluru, venue of the national camp, “Defence will be the priority in this camp as we look to execute our plans in the back better during crucial stages of a match. “However, in the modern game, the efficiency of the defence also relies on how well you can defend as a team and not just individuals or the players playing a role.” India conceded 17 goals in eight matches at the recent four- nation invitational tournament in New Zealand and the 25- year- old midfielder acknowledged the need to work on it. He also stressed on the need to keep up the fitness levels. “We have a crucial period ahead where we play five important tournaments, so it is important for us to keep working on our fitness levels.”