FIH Junior Hockey World Cup: India will start as favorites to win against South Korea

Two-time champions India will begin their campaign in the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2023 against South Korea on Tuesday. This match will be played in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Let us tell you that India is in Pool C along with Korea Republic, Spain and Canada.

Earlier, India had become champion in Hobart in 2001 and Lucknow in 2016. Apart from this, he was the runner-up in Milton Keys, England in 1997. Last time he had to be content with fourth place in Bhubaneswar two years ago. India has been placed in the easy pool in which it will face Korea, Canada and Spain. After Korea, the Indian team will play Spain on Thursday and Canada on Saturday.

Whereas, Pool A features defending champions Argentina, Australia, Chile and Malaysia, while Pool B features Egypt, France, Germany and South Africa. Belgium, Netherlands, New Zealand and Pakistan have been placed in Pool D. The top two teams from each pool will qualify for the quarter-finals. The quarter-finals, semi-finals and final will be played on 12, 14 and 16 December respectively.

The Indian team, led by forward Uttam Singh, is full of confidence as it has a good record against Korea. Out of the 6 matches played between these two teams, India has won three. Korea has won two matches while one match has been drawn. Earlier, the match between these two teams took place in the Junior World Cup earlier this year, where the Indian team defeated Korea 9-1.

Indian captain Uttam Singh is also confident of getting off to a good start. He said, “The wait for the World Cup is finally over and we are confident of getting off to a good start.” We recently faced Korea and we are well aware of the challenge but our focus will be on executing the strategy well and playing good hockey.

Indian coach CR Kumar said that the team has prepared very well but it will not take anything for granted. He said, “The players have worked hard and we are fully prepared for the tournament.” Korea is a good team and you can’t take them lightly. This is a big competition and we have to respect each opposing team.

There itself, The 12-day competition for Under-21 players will be played at the Malaysia National Hockey Stadium. Live streaming and telecast of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup will also be available in India.