Indian men face Lanka in opener

The Indian men’s team will face Sri Lanka in their tournament opener, while the women will be up against Thailand in their first match of the hockey competition at the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, from September 19 to October 4.

The Sardar Singh- led team will open their Asiad campaign on September 21, while the women will play their first match the next day.

In the men’s competition, India are placed in Pool B along side Pakistan, Oman, China and Sri Lanka.

Said chief coach Terry Walsh, “While the team are confident of going all out against the opponents, we will still ensure that we are closing all loopholes before the start of the tournament. The boys are confident post their silver medal finish in the Commonwealth Games and are aiming to generate even better results in the forthcoming event.”

Women’s coach Neil Hawgood, on the other hand, is confident about topping their pool.

SCHEDULE Men’s: September 21: India vs Sri Lanka. September 23: India vs Oman. September 25: India vs Pakistan. September 27: India vs China Women’s: September 22: India vs Thailand. September 24: India vs China. September 26: India vs Malaysia