Harmanpreet Singh’s Indian hockey workforce must attend to some unfinished enterprise from the Paris Olympic Video games once they tackle reigning World Cup winner Germany in a two-match bilateral collection on the iconic Main Dhyan Chand Nationwide Stadium. Germany had defeated India in a semifinal match within the Paris Olympics. India then defeated Spain within the third-place match to assert the bronze medal whereas Germany misplaced to the Netherlands within the ultimate and needed to accept the silver medal.
The primary match of the India and Germany collection on Wednesday is ready to be a landmark second as worldwide hockey returns to the capital after a decade-long hiatus. The Main Dhyan Chand Nationwide Stadium final hosted a global match through the Hockey World League ultimate in January 2014, making this occasion much more particular.
The India vs Germany collection guarantees to ship intense and thrilling hockey, as each groups share a fierce rivalry. Since 2013, the 2 sides have confronted one another 19 instances, with India successful 8 matches and Germany 7. Whereas Germany, who’ve carried out nicely not too long ago by successful the World Cup and bagging silver within the Paris Olympics, will look to proceed their dominance, India will likely be wanting to avenge their slim 3-2 loss within the semifinals in Paris.
For the Indian males’s hockey workforce, chief coach Craig Fulton, this collection carries particular significance. The South African made his worldwide debut as a 21-year-old on the 1995 Indira Gandhi Gold Cup, held on the similar stadium. His return to this historic venue, now as head coach of the Indian nationwide workforce, is a full-circle second in his profession. After 29 years, Fulton brings his wealth of expertise and management to a workforce that has proven vital enchancment below his steering, setting the stage for an intriguing encounter.
Talking on the identical, Fulton mentioned, “It is a particular feeling to be again at this iconic venue, the place my worldwide journey started almost three many years in the past. To return right here, however this time because the coach of the Indian nationwide workforce is really exceptional. Taking part in a collection in opposition to a prime workforce like Germany in entrance of passionate house followers provides to the importance of the event.
“So, sure, life has certainly come full circle for me, and I am trying ahead to guiding this gifted group of gamers in such an essential collection. It is a second of pleasure and reflection for me personally, and I hope we will ship a memorable efficiency,” he mentioned.
Additional speaking concerning the collection and taking over Germany, Fulton mentioned, “From the standpoint of an opposition, Germany poses plenty of threats, they’re excellent tactically, they’re good in man-to-man marking. So, our technique must adapt. You realize you’ll be able to play a technique for 10 minutes after which a completely totally different method. They’re a great workforce, good workforce and we like taking part in Germany.”
The Indian males’s hockey workforce captain Harmanpreet Singh additionally expressed his pleasure about taking part in his first worldwide match within the capital, “I am actually excited to be taking part in in Delhi once more,” he mentioned. “I’ve plenty of fond reminiscences of this metropolis and the Main Dhyan Chand Nationwide Stadium.
“Again in 2013, I used to be a part of the junior camp held right here, and I spent numerous hours coaching and honing my expertise at this very stadium. It performed an essential position in my improvement as a participant, so returning right here to play a global match seems like a particular homecoming. The environment, the group, and the importance of this venue make it much more thrilling,” he mentioned.
On taking part in in opposition to Germany, Harmanpreet mentioned, “Depth will likely be similar because it was in Paris, however I feel what’s essential is to study from each match, whether or not you win or lose. Each workforce follows 2 to three buildings, and our focus will likely be on that.”
India, buoyed by their sturdy current kind, together with victory within the Asian Champions Trophy and residential benefit, will look to faucet into their pace and talent to beat a well-drilled German aspect.
The India vs Germany Bilateral Hockey Collection 2024 guarantees to be an exhilarating contest, with each groups aiming to make a powerful assertion forward of upcoming main tournaments. Followers can anticipate two days of thrilling motion as India and Germany renew their rivalry on the largest stage within the coronary heart of the nation.
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