For a country starved of an Olympic medal in hockey for 41 years, the Indian men’s team’s bronze-medal finish at Tokyo in the previous edition, has fuelled the hope of the return of the ‘golden era.’ But Tokyo was three years ago. A lot has changed in world hockey, and Harmanpreet Singh and his men will have an arduous task over the next two weeks, starting with the New Zealand challenge that awaits them on Saturday.
Ranked seventh in the world, India are placed in Pool ‘B’ that includes defending champions Belgium, Australia, Argentina and Ireland.
The first three matches — against the Black Sticks (July 27), Argentina (July 29) and Ireland (July 30) — will determine the fortunes of India as they face Belgium and favourites Australia thereafter.
The opener is a bit of a tricky contest for India, considering they haven’t faced the 1976 champions in recent times. Although, statistically, India have an edge over New Zealand, the fact that they knocked hosts India out of the World Cup last year will not be lost on the team.
While Argentina are proven to be tough nuts to crack, Ireland won’t be easy meat either and the Pro League, in which they ran the Indians close before going down 0-1 and 0-4, is proof enough.
With all preparatory boxes ticked, it’s showtime at at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium.
Ranked seventh in the world, India are placed in Pool ‘B’ that includes defending champions Belgium, Australia, Argentina and Ireland.
The first three matches — against the Black Sticks (July 27), Argentina (July 29) and Ireland (July 30) — will determine the fortunes of India as they face Belgium and favourites Australia thereafter.
The opener is a bit of a tricky contest for India, considering they haven’t faced the 1976 champions in recent times. Although, statistically, India have an edge over New Zealand, the fact that they knocked hosts India out of the World Cup last year will not be lost on the team.
While Argentina are proven to be tough nuts to crack, Ireland won’t be easy meat either and the Pro League, in which they ran the Indians close before going down 0-1 and 0-4, is proof enough.
With all preparatory boxes ticked, it’s showtime at at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium.
