The Indian men’s hockey team, fresh off their historic bronze medal performance at the Tokyo Olympics, will face off against hockey powerhouse Germany in a two-match bilateral series at the iconic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi on October 23 and 24.
The last time these two hockey giants clashed was in the semi-finals of the Paris Olympics, where Germany emerged victorious with a narrow 3-2 margin. India, however, went on to secure the bronze medal by defeating Spain in the third-place play-offs.
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey expressed his excitement for the upcoming series, stating, “This bilateral series against Germany will be a remarkable showcase of world-class hockey. Both India and Germany have a rich history in the sport, and this series will give fans an opportunity to witness an intense competition between two of the most formidable teams in the world.”
“We are honored to host this event, which will not only promote the spirit of hockey but also strengthen the bond between the two nations,” added Tirkey, a former India captain.
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh echoed Tirkey’s sentiments, saying, “The India-Germany hockey rivalry has always been a thrilling contest. Our players are eager to compete against such a good side, and I believe this series will offer both teams a chance to fine-tune their skills and strategies ahead of future international tournaments.”
“We are proud to be part of this Indo-German collaboration, which brings together not just business and diplomacy but also the love of sport,” Singh added.
German Hockey Federation President Henning Fastrich expressed the national team’s anticipation for the challenge. “India has always been a special place for hockey, and our team is excited to play in front of passionate Indian hockey fans. This series will be a fantastic opportunity to strengthen the sporting ties between Germany and India while offering both teams a competitive platform to prepare for upcoming global events.”
“We look forward to the challenge and the experience of playing at the historic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium,” Fastrich concluded.
The India-Germany bilateral series promises to be an exciting spectacle for hockey enthusiasts, showcasing the skills and strategies of two of the world’s top hockey nations.
