The Indian men's hockey team kicks off its World Cup campaign in new saffron attire against Wales, looking to move past boardroom debates and recent form struggles in the Netherlands and Belgium.
The Indian men’s hockey team begins its World Cup campaign against Wales on Saturday in a tournament co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium. India will take the field wearing a controversial new saffron jersey instead of its traditional blue, a boardroom decision by Hockey India that dominated headlines in the lead-up to the event.
Currently ranked No. 8 in the world following a dismal Pro League campaign, India enters the showpiece event as a rank outsider. Head coach Craig Fulton hopes his side can build on European Pro League improvements and avoid earlier defensive lapses. While squad veterans Captain Harmanpreet Singh, Manpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, and Amit Rohidas bring extensive big-tournament experience, India faces strong competition from top title contenders Belgium, the Netherlands, England, and Australia.
The tournament is also India's first major outing following the retirement of long-time goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh and the subsequent axing of Krishan Pathak. In their absence, goalkeeper Suraj Karkera and newcomer Mohith H.S. have taken over duties under goal after impressing in recent outings.
India is seeking to reclaim past glory in the tournament, having won its only World Cup title 51 years ago, with its best subsequent results being fifth-place finishes in 1982 and 1994. Under the tournament's new format, a strong start in the opening round is vital, with potential matchups against the Netherlands and Argentina awaiting in the next stage.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Hockey. Photo courtesy The Hindu Hockey.