Japan hockey series good opportunity for India: Birendra Lakra

Bhubaneswar: Indian hockey team defender Birendra Lakra said that their upcoming bilateral Test series against Japan is a good opportunity of getting the playing XI right.

Both the teams landed here today to take part in the four-match series, which starts on Sunday at the Kalinga Stadium.

"This India-Japan Test series is important for us as it is a good opportunity to build our team for the Hockey World League semi-final in Antwerp. In this series, all the players will get enough chances to improve their skills and work on their weaknesses," Lakra said.

"For the last few days in New Delhi, we had been practicing hard and now we have to implement the strategies on field. We all are in good shape and are hoping for positive results."

The Indian team arrived here after concluding a nine-day preparatory camp in New Delhi.