Asian derby spices up CT opener
Breda ( the Netherlands), June 22: The Indian hockey team will aim to put behind the disappointment of a poor Commonwealth Games campaign, when they begin the pursuit of a maiden Champions Trophy title, taking on arch- rivals Pakistan in the opening clash, here on Saturday.
Asian champions India have never won the Champions Trophy in its last 36 editions but will be hoping to claim the feat in the tournament’s last edition.
The best India have fared in the tournament was the runners- up finish at the 2016 event in London, losing to Australia in a shootout.
Claiming the title is easier said than done for the eighttime Olympic champions as they come into the tournament on the back of a disastrous campaign at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, where they finished fourth.
The disappointing finish triggered a change in head coach’s position with Harendra Singh taking charge from Dutchman Sjoerd Marijne, who was reverted as coach of the women’s team.
The world’s best six teams compete in the Champions Trophy and this year’s lineup include reigning Olympic champions Argentina, world no. 1 Australia, Belgium, hosts the Netherlands, Pakistan besides India.
India open against Pakistan before taking on Argentina ( June 24), Australia ( June 27), Belgium ( June 28) and Netherlands ( June 30).