If there is one team that India should be wary of at the hockey Olympic qualifier , it is Canada. The North American side is all geared up for the challenge for which it has been preparing since the Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010. Ranked four places below the Indian men's team at 14th, Canada have their goals set although their coach believes that the hosts will be the biggest stumbling block in their pursuit for a place in the London Olympics.

There is no dearth of talent in the current Canadian outfit with three players of Indian origin, including captain Ken Pereira who lends a great deal of support with his vast experience. "We are going into the tournament with just one intention and that is to win," said Canada coach Robin D'Abreo, who also has his roots in India.

"The preparation has been really well. We have been preparing for the tournament since the Commonwealth Games and we wanted to peak just ahead of this qualifier. We believe we are in our peak form at the moment and there is every reason why we can't win the tournament," remarked D'Abreo after his team's first practice session on Sunday.

Canada finished fifth at the Commonwealth Games which was also played at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium where both the men and women's qualifiers are scheduled from Feb 18. India, playing at home, have their best chance to make it to the Olympics. The eight-time gold medallist failed to qualify for the Beijing Games which marked a new low. Canadians feel India will be the biggest threat amongst all six competing teams and Sandeep Singh's expertise with the penalty corners is likely to keep them on their toes.

"Playing at home is a huge advantage for India. Penalty corners are a big part of modern-day hockey and every team needs to be good with their penalty corners," pointed D'Abreo. "Sandeep is a great dragflicker and he is a huge threat for all the participating teams. Besides, India will also have a big crowd cheering for them and at times it gets difficult to play with so many people rooting for the home team."

"The boys played here during the Commnonwealth Games and they know how electric the atmosphere will be." Canada last played India during the Champions Challenge I late last year with the latter coming out victorious. In the same tournament, Canada lost to Poland and both the teams will be in action at the qualifier here. "With just this tournament left to make it to London, everyone is fighting for their lives. This format doesn't allow you a second chance and ultimately, it will all come down to that one final match.

"We played Poland and India at the Champions Challenge recently. We played France very early in 2011 but as far as other teams are concerned they are relatively unknown to us," said D'Abreo. Captain Pereira did sound optimistic about his team's chances but did point out that there are teams in the tournament which are virtually "unknown' to Canada.

"Hockey in not a very popular sport back home but we take our game very seriously. There are some new guys in the team and that gives the good blend of youth and experience. We played here during the World Cup and Commonwealth Games and we know for sure that there will be a huge crowd here backing the home side. "It might get a little difficult for new guys while playing in such a noisy environment," added Pereira, who, at 38 is still one of the most potent forces in the Canadian midfield.