Bhubaneswar: The Argentinian hockey team is all geared up to face top teams at the Champions Trophy to begin here Dec 6.

The ‘Los Leones’ have been placed in Pool B with hosts India, Netherlands and reigning Olympic champions Germany at the Kalinga Stadium.

“We have been practicing on a daily basis since we arrived here so that we get accustomed to the pitch and weather situation. The practice sessions are proving to be really beneficial as we get an opportunity to brush up our know-how and game strategies,” captain Lucas Rey said.

“With the practice in full swing, we are getting hold of the playing conditions which I am sure will act as a morale booster and contribute to the performance of the team in matches to come.”

The only South American team in the tournament will first take on Netherlands Dec 6 before facing the hosts Dec 7 followed by the last group game against Germany Dec 9.

Satisfied with his team’s practice sessions, head coach Carlos Retegui said: “The sessions are picking up pace and I am quite pleased with the manner the boys have been performing, quickly learning and unlearning the necessary skill-sets.

“While the team is geared up, they are putting in their best during practice in a composed manner. I am confident these sessions will prove to be of assistance in helping them to produce respectable results in the impending games.”