Asian Hockey 5S World Cup Qualifiers: Indian team eyes strong start | Loktej Sports News

Oman, 28 August (Hindustan). The Indian men’s hockey team will begin its campaign in the Men’s Asian Hockey 5S World Cup Qualifier against Bangladesh in Salalah, Oman on Tuesday, August 29. The tournament is scheduled to take place from August 29 to September 2. India has been clubbed with Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan, Oman and Bangladesh in the Elite Pool, while the Challengers Pool comprises Hong Kong China, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan and Iran.

After their opening match against Bangladesh, India will compete against Oman and Pakistan on Wednesday, 30 August 2023, and then against Malaysia and Japan on Thursday, 31 August 2023.

The Indian men’s hockey team will enter the Men’s Asian Hockey 5S World Cup Qualifier tournament with hopes of finishing in the top three to seal a place in the 2024 FIH Hockey 5S World Cup.

A total of 16 countries will compete in the 2024 FIH Hockey 5S World Cup. Oman, as the host country, has already booked a place for the 2024 FIH Hockey 5S World Cup. In addition to the top three ranked countries in the tournament, the top 3 countries from the continental competitions in Africa, the Americas, Europe and Oceania will compete in the 2024 FIH Hockey 5S World Cup.

Last time, the Indian men’s hockey team played against Bangladesh during the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Dhaka 2021, where India thrashed their opponents 9-0. Meanwhile, India’s last encounter against Oman was in the Men’s Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2018, which India won 11-0.

India’s last encounter with Pakistan was in the recently concluded Hero Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023. India registered a convincing 4–0 victory over their neighboring rivals. India’s last encounter against Malaysia was in the final of the same event where the Harmanpreet Singh-led side defeated Malaysia 4-3 after a thrilling encounter. Lastly, India’s previous encounter against Japan also took place at the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023, which India won 5–0.

Ahead of the tournament, Indian captain Mandeep Mor said, “For every player, the biggest dream is always to represent the country in the World Cup. It is an important tournament for us and we look forward to securing direct qualification for the 2024 FIH Hockey 5S World Cup We want to do our best and want the opportunity to perform on the biggest stage. We have prepared ourselves well for the upcoming competition and are confident that we will be able to get positive results in the tournament and finish in the top-three. Will be.”

India’s vice-captain Mohd Raheel Mousin said, “With the qualification for the 2024 FIH Hockey 5s World Cup underway, we all want to perform to the best of our abilities in the competition. We are in good shape and we have had some really strong training session. Despite the tough competition in front of us, we are all eagerly looking forward to the start of the tournament. We will stick to our plans and look forward to an early win in the tournament.”