Now Reading: India men’s hockey open World Cup on 80th Independence Day
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India men’s hockey open World Cup on 80th Independence Day
India's men's hockey team opens its World Cup campaign against Wales on August 15, the country's 80th Independence Day. The Harmanpreet Singh-led side aims to end a 51-year drought since its only…
The Story in Brief
India's men's hockey team opens its World Cup campaign against Wales on August 15, the country's 80th Independence Day. The Harmanpreet Singh-led side aims to end a 51-year drought since its only title in 1975. Back-to-back Olympic bronze medals in Tokyo and Paris have raised belief. Veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh, playing his fourth World Cup, called this likely his last and said he is determined to win the missing medal. India faces England and Pakistan in Pool D. The women's team, captained by Salima Tete, begins against China on August 16.
The Indian Opinion
The hype around India's World Cup chances ignores a mixed build-up. Back-to-back Olympic bronze medals are real, but the team finished eighth in the Pro League and faced two controversies, Manpreet Singh's omission and the jersey colour change. The Pakistan match grabs headlines, but England and the knockout rounds are the true measures. The women's side, rebuilding after off-field turmoil, starts with 11 debutants. A simple test: if India cannot top Pool D, talk of a title remains fantasy. Can this group finally conquer the quarterfinal hurdle that has blocked it before?
Sources (3): thehindu.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com, hindustantimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources.
