The six-nation Azlan Shah Cup will kick off today with Pakistan taking on defending champions New Zealand in the opening match of the tournament in Ipoh, Malaysia.Pakistan chief coach Akhtar Rasool rated the Kiwi encounter crucial for his team’s campaign in the tournament.

“We will go for a win,” the former Olympian and captain told The Express Tribune from Ipoh after the team’s final practice session before the first game.“The opening match in any tournament is very important as a good result boosts the team’s confidence for the remaining matches. All the teams in this competition are tough ones. There will be no let-up throughout the event and our performance in the opening game will make an impact in other fixtures.”Rasool expected a tough battle from the defending champions, terming them an aggressive team.

“New Zealand have historically been tough opponents. They are the defending champions as well and we cannot expect a comfortable battle against them. They play with aggression and we have also plans for playing attacking hockey to overcome them. We worked a lot on our weak areas before this tournament and the team is in good shape.”The manager added the team also trained for a couple of days.The weather is very hot here but the players have acclimatised to an extent.”
Rasool backs young bloodWith an aim to increase the pool of international players, Pakistan inducted four new faces in the side by resting seasoned players including Shakeel Abbasi and Mohammad Waseem.

Rasool hoped the youngsters will avail the chance and prove their worth.“We will be watching their performance closely. It will be a great boost for us if we find some good players from this event and will increase our options for the 2014 World Cup which is our main target.”NZ, Australia and Indiato try new players
Meanwhile, the greenshirts are not the only ones to introduce new players in the event as other big contenders – Australia, India and New Zealand – would also be experimenting with young legs.

Australia, the most successful side of the event, will enter the tournament with five uncapped players with an aim to prepare youngsters for the Junior World Cup later this year in India.The title defenders have also populated their team with upcoming players and have allowed their key players to fulfil their league commitments.India, the second successful team of the tournament with five titles, have also rested their seasoned campaigners Sardar Singh and VR Raghunath to test new players.

Mohammad Imran

“We are hoping to show a consistent performance in the tournament and will give our best to win the title. In any case, managing to find capable youngsters will be an achievement in itself.”

Akhtar Rasool

“There will be no let-up; New Zealand have historically been tough opponents. They are the defending champions as well and we cannot expect a comfortable battle against them.”