Rajgir, Bihar, Aug 28 (PTI): India, the three-time champions, are aiming to overcome their recent struggles and secure a World Cup berth by clinching victory in the men's Asia Cup hockey tournament. It starts with a challenging match against China, a lower-ranked team, this Friday.
India is teamed with China, Japan, and Kazakhstan in Pool A, while Pool B features defending champions South Korea, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Chinese Taipei.
Notably, this tournament marks Kazakhstan's return to the Asia Cup after more than thirty years. They, along with Bangladesh, replaced Pakistan and Oman, who withdrew. Pakistan withdrew due to security concerns following India’s Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack in April.
The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semifinals, with the final slated for September 7.
This Asia Cup serves as India's best remaining opportunity to qualify for next year's World Cup, to be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands from August 14 to 30.
India had previously faltered in securing a World Cup spot, dropping to the seventh position globally after a disappointing European leg in the FIH Pro League.
The team managed just one win from eight games but encountered a historic seven-game losing streak, prompting head coach Craig Fulton to reevaluate strategies and field a more robust side for the Asia Cup, acknowledging its importance as the "most important tournament of the year." As the highest-ranked team in the tournament, India bears the weight of expectations as Asia's flag-bearers in global hockey.
Under pressure to perform, Fulton's previously emphasized "defend-to-attack" strategy, which faltered during the Pro League as India conceded 26 goals over eight matches, demands reassessment.
Harmanpreet Singh's squad cannot afford defensive lapses, and penalty corner conversions remain a significant concern in Harmanpreet’s absence, as Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, and Sanjay have struggled to deliver.
Additionally, goalkeeping issues were highlighted during the Pro League's European leg post-PR Sreejesh's retirement, with Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera recently shouldering the goalkeeping duties.
India's record against Asian adversaries is strong, having scored 94 goals in 14 matches over the 2023 Asian Games and 2024 Asian Champions Trophy. However, the bronze at the 2022 Asia Cup reminds them of potential pitfalls.
The defense, led by Harmanpreet, includes players like Sumit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj, Sanjay, and Rohidas. Midfielders include Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, and Vivek Sagar Prasad, while forwards Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, and Dilpreet Singh shoulder scoring responsibilities.
India will be favored against China, ranked 23rd globally, but must remain cautious due to China’s nimble plays and counter-attacks. China’s best finish in the Asia Cup was third in 2009, and the team comprises largely Inner Mongolian players with a historical familiarity with a field hockey-like sport known as Beikou.
On the tournament's opening day, Malaysia faces Bangladesh in the morning, followed by South Korea against Chinese Taipei. Japan and Kazakhstan clash in the afternoon, ahead of the India-China match at 3 p.m.
Squads:
India: Krishan B Pathak (GK), Suraj Karkera (GK), Sumit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh (C), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh; Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh.
China: Ao Xu, Chen Qijun, Gao Jiesheng, Chen Chengfu, Meng Yuanfeng, Li Pengfei, Chen Chongcong (C), LU Yuanlin, Meng Dihao, Xu Jiebin, Du Shihao, Zhang Xiaojia, Ao Suozhu, Meng Nan, Lin Changliang, Guo Xiaolong, Wang Weihao (GK), Wang Caiyu (GK), Ao Yang, Chen Benhai.
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