Kamal Ghorui
Kolkata: The Indian men’s hockey team will kick off their World Cup on Aug 15 against Wales before taking on England two days later on Aug 17. They play their final Group D game against Pakistan on Aug 19, according to the schedule that was published by the FIH on Wednesday. Pakistan have qualified for the World Cup after missing out in 2023, and a clash between the two subcontinental rivals is always a potential humdinger. The two teams have faced off in the World Cup five times so far, and India have won three times, including the famous 2-1 victory in the 1975 final. Speaking about the grouping and specifically the Pakistan match, India coach Craig Fulton said, “We are happy with our draw in Pool D. England, Pakistan and Wales are a good group and we respect all three teams. The match against Pakistan will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament, and we are looking forward to it all.” Meanwhile, the women’s team will open their campaign against China on Aug 16. The Sjoerd Marijne-coached side will then take on South Africa on Aug 18 before their last group game against England two days later on Aug 20. It promises to be a difficult group for the women’s team considering how England and China have fared against them in recent times, and they will have to play out of their skins to make sure they make it to the knockouts. “This is a very competitive and balanced pool. There are teams like England and China that bring different styles and a lot of experience, while the South Africa women’s national field hockey team is always unpredictable and dangerous on their day,” Marijne said in a release. “However, for us, it’s not about the draw — it’s about how we show up. At a World Cup, every match demands your best,” added the Dutch coach. The women’s squad will be going on tours to the US and Argentina, and will play practice matches in Germany, besides also competing at the Nations Cup in New Zealand. Similarly, the men’s team will also continue to play abroad ahead of the World Cup and Asian Games. “We’re going to be away from home a lot more. We will play in Malaysia against New Zealand and Australia, and then travel to Europe for the Pro League,” Fulton had earlier said. India’s WC Group matches: Men: vs Wales Aug 15, vs England Aug 17, vs Pakistan Aug 19; Women: vs China Aug 16, vs South Africa Aug 18, vs England Aug 20.
