After Asia, India eye success at world stage

Bhubaneswar: 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 world no. 2 Australia, India have 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 months ago from Roelant Oltmans.

Marijne tasted success in his first assignment — the Asia Cup — but the HWL Final will be a completely different ballgame.

The Indian selectors, while sacking Oltmans, made it clear that success at Asia level won’t be a benchmark and demanded results at the world stage.

Since taking charge, Marijne hasn’t made any major changes to the playing style or strategy and has let the players decide which style of hockey they want to 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.