The Indian junior men’s hockey team is ready to embark on their journey in the 4 Nations Tournament—Dusseldorf 2023, starting their campaign against Spain on Friday. With high hopes of clinching the title, the team views this tournament as valuable preparation for the upcoming Men’s Junior World Cup in Malaysia later this year.
The competition will feature matches against Spain, Germany (host nation), and England on August 21, with the final scheduled for August 22. This tournament is a crucial part of the team’s groundwork for the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2023, taking place in Malaysia from December 5 to December 16.
Following an intensive national coaching camp at the SAI Centre in Bengaluru from June 2023 to August 2023, the Indian junior men’s team is geared up for this challenge. The squad secured their berth in the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2023 after clinching victory in the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 in Oman, where they triumphed over traditional rivals Pakistan in a thrilling final, setting a new record with their fourth Men’s Junior Asia Cup title.
In the absence of Uttam Singh due to injury, Vishnukant Singh will lead the Indian junior men’s team. He expresses his optimism for a strong performance in the 4 Nations Tournament and underscores its significance in terms of team growth and experience.
Speaking about the upcoming challenge, Vishnukant states, “This tournament is a valuable opportunity for us to continue our development and gain exposure to high-quality competition against some of Europe’s finest teams. Our squad comprises talented and seasoned players, and we aim to maintain our strong performances in recent tournaments. Positive outcomes are crucial for our confidence as we prepare for the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2023.”
The tournament will see India compete against Spain, a team they previously faced in the 8-Nations U-21 Men’s Tournament in Madrid in 2019, where Spain emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline. In recent years, Spain and India have had four encounters, with India winning three times and Spain winning once.
India’s head coach, CR Kumar, acknowledges the competition’s challenges, with strong teams like Spain, Germany, and England. He emphasizes the team’s commitment to executing their strategies and playing to their strengths. Kumar expresses confidence in the team’s preparation and strategies.
India’s Schedule at the 4 Nations Tournament:
- Aug 18: India vs Spain at 1430 hrs IST
- Aug 19: India vs Germany at 2230 hrs IST
- Aug 21: India vs England at 1330 hrs IST.
-IANS
