Glasgow: Hoping to salvage some pride after a disappointing World Cup outing and also end their title drought in the process, a talented but unpredictable Indian men’s hockey team will open its Commonwealth Games campaign against a lowly Wales, here on Friday.
Clubbed in Pool A along side Wales, Scotland, South Africa besides world champions and reigning gold medallist Australia, the Sardar Singh-led India were handed relatively easy opening two matches before taking on the heavyweights of the game. In Pool B, England, New Zealand, Malaysia, Canada and Trinidad and Tobago will fight it out for two places in the knockout phase.
Meanwhile, the Indian women got off to a rollicking start by beating Canada 4-2 in their opening Group A match on Thursday. Seasoned Rani Rampaul opened the scoring in the 22nd minute followed by Poonam Rani in the 29th, while Jaspreet Kaur scored twice with successful dragflicks in the 37th and 52nd minute respectively.
South Africa walloped Trinidad & Tobago 16-0 in another Group A league match. (PTI)