After Asia, India eye success at world stage MEN’S
Bhubaneswar, Nov. 30: India will aim to make a mark at the global stage in the third and final edition of the World League Final, starting here on Friday.
India will open their campaign against world champions and title- holders Australia in Pool B. Germany will face England in the other game on the opening day.
India are clubbed with England, Germany and the Aussies in a tough group, while Pool A comprises Olympic champions Argentina, the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain.
India have been dominant in the continent, recently winning the Asia Cup crown in Dhaka and will be keen to elevate themselves from regional to continental bigwigs.
Against Australia, 2 had limited success in recent times. India lost to the Kookaburras in the Champions Trophy, Azlan Shah and Commonwealth Games in the last few years.
The hosts face a tough task to begin their campaign with a win. The tournament will be India’s new chief coach Sjoerd Marijne’s first real test after taking over two for a championship or anything with him but hopefully I’ll get that chance down the road,” said Matsuyama.
Similar is the case with the likes of Spieth and Rickie Fowler who are probably “friends” with Woods, but are unknown to months ago Oltmans.
Marijne tasted success in his first assignment — the Asia Cup — but the HWL Final will be a completely the facet that only exists for them in Youtube videos — the man who knew no defeat.
Said Spieth, “Yeah, I think Justin said it really well. Growing up watching him kind of dominate and then idolising and now having gone through similar play. India have a mix of youth and experience in the team, led by Manpreet Singh, who has taken Sardar Singh’s place in the midfield.
Harmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Dipsan Tirkey, Gurjant Singh and Varun Kumarare talented youngsters who excelled at the big stage in the Junior World Cup last year. They will be guided by seasoned campaigners Rupinder Pal Singh and Birendra Lakra and Amit Rohidas.
Australia will also be under a new coach in Colin Batch.
The Aussies are known for their aggressive style and will mean business from the very beginning. After finishing sixth at the Rio Olympics, their worst performance since 1960, Australia would be desperate to reclaim the top spot in international hockey.