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Baskaran backs India as best-prepared for Hockey World Cup
Olympic gold medal-winning captain V. Baskaran has backed India as the best-prepared team for the Hockey World Cup starting August 15 in Belgium and the Netherlands. Speaking at the renaming of Hockey…
The Story in Brief
Olympic gold medal-winning captain V. Baskaran has backed India as the best-prepared team for the Hockey World Cup starting August 15 in Belgium and the Netherlands. Speaking at the renaming of Hockey Tiruvallur as Tamil Hockey League, the 75-year-old said the squad is balanced, with experienced players and debutants who have played 20-25 international games. He praised goalkeepers Mohith H.S. and Suraj Karkera for their form, but cautioned that the second round will be the real test. Baskaran believes India can progress beyond the pool stage, despite a long drought since 1975.
The Indian Opinion
The usual narrative around Indian hockey swings between euphoria and despair. Baskaran’s optimism is understandable, but India have not won the World Cup since 1975. The real test is the second round, where knockout pressure exposes flaws. For all the talk of balance, the forwards must convert and the defence avoid errors. The performance of debutants in high-stakes games will reveal whether this side is truly ready.
Source: thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
