The ignominy of missing out on a World Cup berth looming large, under-pressure India will look to open their campaign in the 9th Asia Cup men’s hockey tournament with a morale-boosting win over minnows Oman in Pool B here on Saturday. As this is their last chance to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, India cannot afford to let their guard down as nothing short of victory in the continental championship can book their ticket to next year’s quadrennial event in the Hague. For eight-time Olympic champions India and neighbours Pakistan, the Asia Cup is a do-or-die tournament as one of them face the prospect of missing out on a World Cup berth for the first time since the launch of the tournament in 1971. Defending champions Korea, however, recently became the eighth team to qualify for the World Cup after being promoted from first reserves to guaranteed participants.
Unfit Sardar ruled out of opener India though were dealt a severe blow ahead of their opening group league encounter, with skipper Sardar Singh being declared unfit. Sardar, who was hospitalised for running temperature and throat infection, was discharged on Thursday. The midfielder did light training on the day, but interim coach Roelant Oltmans said he “does not want to take risks”. “Sardar is well now. He was discharged yesterday, but he won’t play (against Oman) tomorrow. His fitness is not of the required level. If I let him play tomorrow, he may fall sick again,” Oltmans said. In Pool A, Pakistan open their campaign against Japan, while Malaysia will face Chinese Taipei in the last match of the opening day. LIVE ON TV India vs Oman from 1:30 pm on STAR Sports
