FIH Pro League: As Indian hockey team gets Paris Olympics preparations underway, a look at their opponents in Odisha leg

The FIH Pro League is a crucial tournament for the Indian men’s team as they step up their efforts in the home stretch ahead of the Paris Olympics. Harmanpreet Singh and Co. begin their season with eight matches in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela. In the mini-tournament in Odisha, India will come up against two teams – Australia and Ireland – that are in the same group as them in Paris.

Here’s a look at the opponents Craig Fulton and Co. take on as they look to fine-tune their preparations.

Netherlands

World ranking: No. 1
India’s H2H since 2020: P – 8, W – 2, D – 3, L – 3

The reigning World No. 1 will, of course, offer a stiff test to India. Currently top of the Pro League standings, the Dutch are one of the pre-Paris favourites and Fulton will be hoping to run them close at home conditions. The Netherlands won bronze at the 2023 World Cup in Odisha.

Captain Thierry Brinkman said after reaching the city that his side was looking forward to testing themselves against the top sides. “We are curious about Australia, they could be tough opponents for us. Of course, facing India in front of their home crowd will be a challenge, especially in stadiums as vast as the ones in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela,” he said.

India’s Chief Coach Fulton and Captain Harman bring a mix of intensity and humor to the press conference! 🎙

Harman is pumped for a strong start and finish on home turf, aiming to build momentum for the Olympics. 🏑

Chief Coach Fulton and his Hindi skills at the end… Wait for… pic.twitter.com/AH8ULGr9tz

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) February 9, 2024

Australia

World ranking: No. 6
India’s H2H since 2020: P – 11, W – 2, D – 2, L – 7

One of India’s perennial tormentors, the men in blue tend to struggle against the Kookaburras’ style of play. There were heavy defeats at Tokyo 2020 and CWG 2022 (combined 14 goals conceded by India) but India ended a long barren run for an outright win against Aussies during a Test series Down Under. Australia didn’t have a memorable outing the last time they were in India, finishing outside the podium places after defeats in the semifinals and bronze medal playoff. The Australia matches will hold extra importance for India, as a potentially decisive Pool B fixture looms in Paris.

Goalkeeper Andrew Charter said the tournament is massive for their Paris quest. “We have been working hard on our conditioning, we just had a little break over Christmas and we are feeling confident coming in. We want to use this as an opportunity to train a lot of our structures, test new things, and get some experience to our younger team members,” Charter said.

Spain

World ranking: No. 8
India’s H2H since 2020: P – 7, W – 3, D – 1, L – 3

The Spaniards will come into this tournament sharp in terms of match fitness having only recently booked their tickets to Paris through the Olympic qualifiers. Spain were in India’s group at the World Cup last year, and Amit Rohidas had a night remember in front of his home fans, starring in a 2-0 win. It was a hard-fought win and a highlight in an otherwise disappointing campaign for the hosts.

Ireland

World ranking: No. 11
India’s H2H since 2020: N/A

As the lowest-ranked team in the Pro League, Ireland will come to India for their Pro League debut on a high after a sensational 4-3 win over Korea to qualify for the Olympics. India haven’t faced Ireland since 2018 in official men’s hockey matches. Without a doubt the underdogs, Ireland will hope to test themselves against the best in the business.

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India men’s Pro League schedule at home (four matches in Bhubaneswar, followed by four in Rourkela)

India vs Spain: 10 Feb
India vs Netherlands: 11 Feb
India vs Australia: 15 Feb
Inda vs Ireland: 16 Feb

India vs Spain: 19 Feb
India vs Netherlands: 21 Feb
India vs Australia: 24 Feb
India vs Ireland: 25 Feb

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