Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], July 31 (ANI): The defending Champions Korea Men’s Hockey Team and final editions runners up, Japan males’s hockey workforce arrived in Chennai on Sunday night time for the Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023. Both groups have been afforded a heat welcome on the Chennai International Airport. While Korea are eyeing to retain the title, Japan’s greatest end hasbeen a Silver Medal within the 2021 version of the event.
In the extremely anticipated Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023, which is able to happen on the iconic Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Egmore from August 3 to August 12, Korea are set to face formidable opponents together with Malaysia, Pakistan, China, Japan, and hosts India. The stage is ready for an exhilarating showcase of sporting excellence, as these Asian powerhouses collide in an epic show of talent, willpower, and fervour for the sport.
Korea shall be up towards Japan within the event opener on August 3.
Talking in regards to the event, Korea’s Head Coach Seok Kyo Shin mentioned, “This tournament is crucial for us as it will serve as the preparatory event for the upcoming Asian Games, through which we are targeting a berth in the Paris Olympics next year. We are aiming to give our best in the Asian Champions Trophy.”Meanwhile, Korea’s Captain Nam Yong Lee talked in regards to the workforce’s preparations and mentioned, “We recently toured Europe for friendly games, which helped us in preparing for the Asian Champions Trophy.” He added, “The team is looking forward to playing against India as the hosts have many quality players.”Further speaking in regards to the climate situations in Chennai, Lee mentioned,”I am coming to Chennai for the second time as I last came here in 2007 for the Asia Cup, so I am pretty aware of the weather conditions in the city. Also, the climate here is pretty similar to that of South Korea, where it’s also hot.”Meanwhile, Japan, after ending second within the earlier version of the event, shall be eyeing to go all the best way within the Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023 and clinch their maiden title within the historical past of the event.
“I am very happy to be part of this tournament in Chennai. We are very excited and we’ll give our best in the competition. Also, I think the weather is very hot in the city, but that won’t make much difference as the climate is similar in Japan. Hence, we won’t have any trouble getting acclimated to the weather conditions here. We are looking forward to playing against the Indian team as they have a strong side,” mentioned Japan’s Coach Akira Takahashi.
Further speaking in regards to the workforce’s preparations, Takahashi commented, “We have fine-tuned our defence and attack structures, and we hope to play according to that in the tournament and also implement our new strategies. Our target is to at least reach the final of the competition.” (ANI)