Indian Men’s Hockey Team Aims for Gold at Asian Games in Hangzhou
With the recent victory at the Asian Champions Trophy 2023, the Indian men’s hockey team is determined to win gold at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, aiming for direct qualification to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Indian men’s hockey team is gearing up with determination and hockey sticks in hand as they prepare to embark on their journey to the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Fresh from their triumph at the Asian Champions Trophy 2023, the Indian team is eager to carry forward their winning momentum and make their nation proud by clinching the gold medal.
Notably, India has a storied history in the Asian Games, with three gold medals (1966, 1998, 2014), nine silver medals (1958, 1962, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1990, 1994, 2002), and three bronze medals (1986, 2010, 2018) to their name in the prestigious tournament.
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Therefore, the Indian team is determined to continue their impressive performance and strive for the gold medal, which would secure them direct qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022, India finds itself in Pool A, alongside teams like Pakistan, Japan, Bangladesh, Singapore, and Uzbekistan. Their campaign begins on September 24 with a match against Uzbekistan.
Pool B comprises teams such as Korea, Malaysia, China, Oman, Thailand, and Indonesia. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semi-finals.
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India’s captain, Harmanpreet Singh, a key figure in their recent successes, expressed his enthusiasm and determination for the upcoming tournament. He stated, “Representing the tricolour on the international stage is an honor, and we are fully prepared for the Asian Games. We’ve undergone rigorous training sessions, and every member in the camp is focused and committed. Our goal is crystal clear – to secure the gold medal and earn direct qualification for the Paris Olympics next year.”
Coach Craig Fulton, who has been diligently working with the team to refine their strategies and skills, emphasized that unity and discipline would be crucial for success in Hangzhou. He remarked, “We’ve been preparing extensively, with a focus on teamwork and mental resilience. Our team possesses the talent, and now it’s about executing our plans effectively on the field. We are eagerly looking forward to the competition and aiming to bring glory to India.”
India’s opening match is against Uzbekistan on September 24, followed by clashes with Singapore, Japan, and Pakistan on September 26, 28, and 30, respectively. Their final group stage encounter will be against Bangladesh on October 2.
Schedule:
- September 24: India Vs Uzbekistan at 08:45 hrs IST
- September 26: India Vs Singapore at 06:30 hrs IST
- September 28: India Vs Japan at 18:15 hrs IST
- September 30: India Vs Pakistan at 18:15 hrs IST
- October 2: India Vs Bangladesh at 13:15 hrs IST
