New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS): Young defender Dipsan Tirkey is determined to produce a dominant performance when the India U-21 men's hockey team attempts to defend its crown at the 5th Sultan of Johor Cup at Johor Bahru, Malaysia from October 11 to 18.

The Indians, who won the title last year, will have to contend with the likes of Australia, Great Britain, Argentina, Malaysia and Pakistan as they attempt to defend their title. They will lock horns with arch-rivals Pakistan in the opening match of the tournament.

The 17- year old Dipsan, who has formed an exellent combination with fellow defender Harmanpreet Singh in recent months, is confident that the Indians will be able to defend their title.

"I am very excited as we will be playing the top teams in the upcoming 5th Sultan of Johor Cup. The challenge will be tough but having an advantage of being the defending champions, we are looking forward to retain the title for India," Tirkey was quoted as saying in Hockey India release.

"We are motivated and also want to achieve a similar feat in the upcoming tournament and aim at giving our best to help the team to reach for the title," he added.