_~Indian Men’s Hockey Team are placed in Pool B alongside Belgium, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, and Ireland~_
New Delhi, 7th March 2024: The anticipation for the 2024 Paris Olympics
has reached a crescendo as the International Hockey Federation (FIH)
unveiled the much-anticipated schedule for the tournament on Wednesday.
The Indian Men’s Hockey Team, under the steadfast leadership of
Captain Harmanpreet Singh, is poised to commence their campaign on 27th
July against New Zealand. India will next take on Argentina on 29th July
before facing Ireland and Belgium on 30th July and 1st August. They will
play their last group stage game against the mighty Australians on 2nd
August.
Ranked world no 4, India are placed in Pool B alongside formidable
opponents: reigning Olympic Champions Belgium (world No. 2), Australia
(world No. 5), Argentina (world No. 7), New Zealand (world No. 10), and
Ireland (world No. 12). Notably, Argentina and Australia also have
etched their names as former Olympic Champions.
Expressing his thoughts on the fixtures, Captain Harmanpreet Singh
conveyed his enthusiasm and determination, saying, “Competing in Pool
B is going to be challenging, given the undeniable potential of every
team to emerge victorious on any given day. But we stand steadfast,
mentally and physically prepared for every challenge that paves our
journey at the Paris Olympics. As a collective force, our mindset is
unwaveringly centred on our own strengths, as we believe that by
harnessing our full potential, we can beat anyone.”
Also, reflecting on India’s historic achievement at Tokyo 2020, where
they secured a Bronze medal after a 41-year gap, Harmanpreet remarked,
“Tokyo was a monumental moment, and we’re determined to carry that
momentum into Paris. Our goal is straightforward – to upgrade the
colour of the medal by aiming for Gold. Taking it one step at a time,
our initial focus is on advancing through the group stage and securing a
spot in the Quarter-Finals. With our experience and skill set, we
believe we’re strong contenders for a podium finish.”
Meanwhile, world No. 1 the Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Spain,
South Africa and hosts France make up Pool A of the 12-team men’s
hockey tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In line with the tournament structure, teams will engage in one match
each during the group stage, with the top four from each pool advancing
to the Quarter-Finals.
by Asia Hockey
