International hockey is making its much-awaited return to Delhi after a 10-year gap. The historic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium will host two thrilling matches, with India facing off against Germany in a two-Test series starting Wednesday. This marks the first international match at this venue since 2013, and the anticipation is high as India looks to avenge its loss to Germany in the semi-finals of the Tokyo Olympics.
Exciting Return of Hockey to Delhi
Delhi has not witnessed international hockey for a decade, with the last major event being the Hero World League Finals held here in 2014. Although some inter-departmental games have taken place since then, including the Women’s Inter-Departmental National Championship, fans have been eager to see the Indian team compete on home turf. This return is expected to reignite interest in hockey, especially among the youth.
According to reports, over 12,000 fans have registered for free tickets, out of the 16,400 seating capacity at the stadium. The response is overwhelming, showing the love for hockey remains strong in India.
India’s Chance to Settle the Score
India, ranked fifth in the world, has its eyes on revenge as they face world champions Germany, who are currently ranked second. India lost to Germany in a closely fought 2-3 match during the Tokyo Olympics semi-finals, and now, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, they are determined to turn the tables.
Harmanpreet expressed his excitement about the upcoming series, stating, “This series isn’t just about two teams; it’s the return of hockey to Delhi. We hope this inspires the next generation of players.”
Strong Line-Up Despite Challenges
India’s squad is a mix of seasoned players and fresh talent. Coach Craig Fulton is keeping his focus on the future, with an eye on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The defense will be bolstered by the return of drag-flick specialist Varun Kumar, who has rejoined the team after being cleared of previous allegations.
However, India will miss the presence of midfielder Hardik Singh, who is recovering from an injury sustained during the Paris Olympics. Fulton has given opportunities to new faces, including midfielder Rajinder Singh and forward Aditya Arjun Lalge, both eager to make their mark.
The midfield will rely on the experience of players like Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, and Lalit Upadhyay, while the forward line is stacked with talent such as Mandeep Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, and Dilpreet Singh. With the retirement of PR Sreejesh, the goalkeeping duties will be handled by Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera.
Germany’s Strength
Germany, the reigning world champions, is a formidable opponent. They secured the silver medal at the Paris Olympics after a hard-fought final against the Netherlands. Known for their precision and skill, Germany will be a tough challenge for India, but modern hockey has shown that the top teams are all capable of beating each other on any given day.
India has won three of their last five encounters with Germany, and with their recent victory at the Asian Champions Trophy, they are riding a wave of confidence. This series promises to be an exciting spectacle for hockey fans across the country.
