Bhubaneswar: Colts India will attract inspiration from the elderly winning of their Olympic bronze medal when they started their title defense at the Junior Hockey World Cup with clashes against France on Wednesday.
The senior side of the Indian man created history at the Tokyo Olympics by claiming a bronze medal after 41 years.
The junior side will look for a successful 2021 season by defending the World Cup title, which will be the third.
The team first won the World Cup title in 2001 in Australia before reclaiming the crown in the last edition of the event in 2016 in Lucknow.
The Junior Hockey World Cup is considered a stepping stone to aspire to play games at the senior level as nine players from the 2016 troops representing India in the Tokyo game.
All sets to go 🏑 # JWC2021 # Risingstars # odishaforhockey https://t.co/todjfh9li9- Naveen Patnaik (@naveen_Odisha) 1637647679000 and many members of the Indian team led by Prasad Sagar Prasad will be seen showing off their potential and impressive at the National Selections for a place on the senior side.
Gaining the opportunity to live, practice and play matches against senior sides ahead of the event has become a blessing for juniors.
In addition to manpreets such as Manpreet Singh and PR Sreejesh, the head of Indian coach Graham Reid has worked nonstop by Indian Junior’s side, trained by BJ Kariappa veterans.
Blue young men are ready for challenges 💪 league match schedule 🇮🇳 at # jwc2021 🏆drop a 💙 …
https://t.co/d7k3pqplut- Indian hockey (@TheHOneDeyIndia) 1637594251000IN Arjuna Awardee Prasad, the host will be led by Someone who has played the game at the highest level because he is part of the side of the Olympic bronze winner.
Prasad will be assisted by Star Drag-Ficker Sanjay as his representative.
“Our team won the champion in 2016 and now our goal is to continue to appear in the same way,” Prasad said.
Reid’s head coach said the opportunity to practice on the senior side would be beneficial for juniors.
“While we don’t have a competition abroad, Junior plays several training matches against the senior team in Bhubaneswar, which is quite valuable.” Since arriving in Bhubaneswar, we are used to the stadium.
It is good that we start practicing here before we start, “said Reid.
India was placed in Pool B in a 16 team competition along the side of France, Canada and Poland and many favorites to add swimming pools.
Heavyweight Swimming Pool Belgium, Malaysia, Chile And South Africa, while the Netherlands, Spain, Korea and the US are in the pool C.
Pool D will see Germany, Pakistan, Egypt and Argentina facing with each other.
The top two teams from each pool will be eligible for the quarter-finals.
India is one of the favorite tournaments along the side of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, especially after leaving Australia and England because of limiting related trips Covid.
Five countries traditionally dominated the tournament with Germany into the most successful team with six titles, followed by India (two times).
Argentina, Australia and Pakistan have won their respective tournaments.
Reid felt a mixture of “flexibility and flare” giving India is the best opportunity to defend the title.
“We have chosen a group of 20 players, a 18-year-old team, and two alternative players, which we believe gave us the best chance to defend our title as a junior World Cup champion.” This is a balanced side with a lot.
Flexibility and flare.
The key to these people appearing at a big stage will trust each other and believe in their preparation, “Australia said.
After France, India will play Canada and Poland on 25 and 27 November.
All matches will be held in it.
A bio bio bubble At the Kalinga Stadium.
In another match on the opening day, Belgium will play South Africa, Malaysia will face Chile, Germany will face Pakistan and Canada will lock the horn against Poland.