New Delhi:The Indian Men Hockey Team took off to Glasgow (Scotland) from New Delhi, today morning for the upcoming Commonwealth Games 2014. The team is all set to undertake the challenges of the forthcoming tournament.
Under the Captaincy of midfielder Sardar Singh (186 international caps), the Indian team will take on Wales on the 25th of July 2014 followed by a face-to-face with Scotland, Australia and South Africa during the impending tournament. Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who recently completed his 100th international cap, will take the role and responsibility as the Vice-Captain of the team.
Practicing different patterns thoroughly all the way through their training sessions at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi during last three weeks and willingness to implement them in the matches and with uplifted spirits, Sardar Singh and his men are looking forward to quality performances and to live up to the expectations of the coaches and the selectors, in the Commonwealth Games 2014.
Speaking ahead of the Games, Chief Coach Mr. Terry Walsh said, “The preparatory camp was productive as it helped us to work on the areas that the team was lacking in. The team is all pepped up and confident of performing well in the Games ahead. We are sure that we will end the tournament on a high note and take the form onto the Asian Games”.
Before departing for the Commonwealth Games, Captain Sardar Singh said, “We have been working really hard in the last few weeks since the World Cup. We showcased in the World Cup that we have the capabilities to give any team a tough time . We are looking forward to our first game in the CWG and the aim is to start on a winning note. The team is fully motivated and will look to draw inspiration from our silver medal finish at the previous edition of the Commonwealth Games in 2010”.
The Commonwealth Games will see a total of 10 teams playing in two pools. India is placed along with Wales, Scotland, Australia and South Africa in Pool A while Canada, England, Malaysia, New Zealand and Trinidad & Tobago are placed in Pool B.
Schedule for Commonwealth Games (Men) –
Date | Local Time | Indian Time | Match | ||
25thJuly 2014 | 09:00 | 13:30 | Wales | Vs | India |
26thJuly 2014 | 16:00 | 20:30 | Scotland | Vs | India |
29thJuly 2014 | 14:00 | 18:30 | Australia | Vs | India |
31st July 2014 | 16:00 | 20:30 | South Africa | Vs | India |