International hockey returns to New Delhi after a decade-long hiatus as India, the Olympic bronze medalists, face off against world champions Germany in a two-Test bilateral series starting Wednesday. The matches, to be held at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, mark a significant revival for the sport in the capital.
The last international match played at the stadium was the 2014 Hero World League Final, leaving a void in the city’s hockey scene. The upcoming Tests against Germany, ranked second in the world and silver medalists at the Paris Olympics, promise to reignite the passion for hockey in Delhi.
Over 12,000 fans have already registered for free tickets, indicating the immense anticipation for the event. The series holds great importance for Indian hockey, which has witnessed an upswing with consecutive Olympic bronze medals.
In Paris, India narrowly lost 2-3 to Germany in a thrilling semifinal. The Tests provide an opportunity for revenge and a chance to test new faces. However, Germany remains a formidable opponent, having displayed their resilience in Paris, losing only in a shootout to the Netherlands in the gold medal match.
Despite Germany’s higher ranking, India has an edge in recent encounters, winning three of the last five matches. The Indian team boasts a mix of youth and experience, with notable inclusions like defender and drag-flicker Varun Kumar, who returns after a sabbatical.
Star drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will lead the Indian charge, while Vivek Sagar Prasad will serve as his deputy. Mid-field mainstay Hardik Singh remains absent due to injury. Newcomers Rajinder Singh and Aditya Arjun Lgale will make their international debuts.
Striker Mandeep Singh, rested for the Asian Champions Trophy, will aim to impress alongside Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, and Dilpreet Singh. Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera will guard the Indian goal, having proven their worth in the ACT after PR Sreejesh’s retirement.
The two matches offer a platform for newcomers and returning players to showcase their abilities and stake their claim for future selection. The series promises to be a thrilling spectacle, rekindling the spirit of hockey in Delhi and providing valuable experience for the Indian team as they prepare for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
