Harmanpreet Singh’s Indian hockey workforce must attend to some unfinished enterprise from the Paris Olympic Games once they tackle reigning World Cup winner Germany in a two-match bilateral sequence on the iconic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. Germany had defeated India in a semifinal match within the Paris Olympics. India then defeated Spain within the third-place match to say the bronze medal whereas Germany misplaced to the Netherlands within the ultimate and needed to accept the silver medal.
The first match of the India and Germany sequence on Wednesday is about to be a landmark second as worldwide hockey returns to the capital after a decade-long hiatus. The Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium final hosted a world match in the course of the Hockey World League ultimate in January 2014, making this occasion much more particular.
The India vs Germany sequence guarantees to ship intense and thrilling hockey, as each groups share a fierce rivalry. Since 2013, the 2 sides have confronted one another 19 occasions, with India successful 8 matches and Germany 7. While 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 can be desirous to avenge their slim 3-2 loss within the semifinals in Paris.
For the Indian males’s hockey workforce, chief coach Craig Fulton, this sequence 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 identical 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 underneath his steerage, setting the stage for an intriguing encounter.
Speaking on the identical, Fulton stated, “It’s a special feeling to be back at this iconic venue, where my international journey began nearly three decades ago. To return here, but this time as the coach of the Indian national team is truly remarkable. Playing a series against a top team like Germany in front of passionate home fans adds to the significance of the occasion.
“So, yes, life has indeed come full circle for me, and I’m looking forward to guiding this talented group of players in such an important series. It’s a moment of pride and reflection for me personally, and I hope we can deliver a memorable performance,” he stated.
Further speaking in regards to the sequence and taking up Germany, Fulton stated, “From the standpoint of an opposition, Germany poses quite a lot of threats, they’re excellent tactically, they’re good in man-to-man marking. So, our technique must adapt. You know you’ll be able to play a method for 10 minutes after which a completely totally different manner. They are workforce, sensible 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’m really excited to be playing in Delhi again,” he stated. “I have a lot of fond memories of this city and the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
“Back in 2013, I was part of the junior camp held here, and I spent countless hours training and honing my skills at this very stadium. It played an important role in my development as a player, so returning here to play an international match feels like a special homecoming. The atmosphere, the crowd, and the significance of this venue make it even more thrilling,” he stated.
On taking part in towards Germany, Harmanpreet stated, “Intensity will be same as it was in Paris, but I think what is important is to learn from every match, whether you win or lose. Every team follows 2 to 3 structures, and our focus will be on that.”
India, buoyed by their robust latest 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 Series 2024 guarantees to be an exhilarating contest, with each groups aiming to make a powerful assertion forward of upcoming main tournaments. Fans can count on two days of thrilling motion as India and Germany renew their rivalry on the most important stage within the coronary heart of the nation.
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