Rajgir, Aug 25 (PTI) – With hopes high and spirits even higher, three-time champions India are set to take on the challenge of reclaiming the men's Asia Cup hockey title after an eight-year pause and aim to secure their berth in the World Cup next year. The much-anticipated continental showdown kicks off here on August 29.
The current Olympic bronze medallists and the number one side in Asia, India last clinched the Asia Cup in Dhaka back in 2017, overcoming Malaysia 2-1 in a gripping finale. However, in the most recent 2022 edition held in Jakarta, India had to settle for a third-place finish behind reigning champions South Korea and Malaysia.
Chief coach Craig Fulton shared insights into the preparation strategy, emphasizing the similarity to their approach during the Paris Olympics. "The team's preparation has been solid for this tournament. Our approach will be similar to that of the Paris Olympics where we began with good wins in the pool stage. We want to start well here, take it game-by-game, build on our momentum and we are cognizant that it's been eight years since India last won the title (in 2017, Dhaka). While we are confident of winning, we don't want to take any team lightly," said Fulton after the team's arrival.
With qualification for the World Cup at stake, India has fielded a formidable squad under the leadership of Harmanpreet Singh. The World Cup is scheduled to be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands from August 14 to 30 the following year. Notably, this will mark the first instance of the Indian men's hockey team playing in Rajgir.
"We are very happy to arrive in Bihar for this prestigious tournament. It is great that international hockey is being hosted here and we want to inspire the people of this region with our game, and create more fans for the sport," Fulton expressed.
Reflecting similar sentiments, India captain Harmanpreet Singh remarked on the venue's significance. "We have never played in Bihar, and it's exciting to see that Rajgir is already hosting its second international hockey tournament within a span of one year. This shows the government's intent to support the game, and we are looking forward to the love and support of hockey fans here throughout the tournament."
The men in blue are placed in Pool A alongside Japan, China, and Kazakhstan, while Pool B includes Malaysia, Korea, Bangladesh, and Chinese Taipei.
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