New Delhi: Delhi Waveriders will start their title defence when the 3rd edition of Hero Hockey India League (HHIL) begins next month and Head coach Cedric D'Souza today said they would try to get an idea about the opposition players by following the just-concluded Champions Trophy.
The third edition of the Hero Hockey India League is all set to roll out from January 22 and will witness Delhi fighting it out against the five franchisees, all gearing up to steal the show this year.
D'Souza said: "Yes, I am excited and waiting for the 3rd edition. It was a pleasure seeing the team winning the trophy last year and this time around everyone is aware that it will not be an easy task keeping in mind that the game of hockey has evolved a lot in the last one year.
"The players have grown in terms of physical strengths as well as strategising quickly on the field. We will also follow the recently culminated Champions Trophy which will give us a fair idea on the kind of play that the players are following on the field.
"The aim of course is to retain the title, while it will be difficult but I see no reason why we can't achieve it yet again," he added.
The opening day of the League will witness Kalinga Lancers taking on Ranchi Rays in Bhubaneswar.
