JAKARTA: An Olympic berth at stake, nothing less than a gold medal would satisfy the top-ranked Indian men’s hockey team, which begins its Asian Games campaign against minnows Indonesia, here on Monday.
Eyes firmly set on securing a direct berth in 2020 Tokyo Olympics , defending champions India will start as overwhelming favourites against the host nation. World no.5 India are unlikely to be challenged by any of their Pool A rivals — Korea (ranked 14), Japan (ranked 16), Sri Lanka (ranked 38), Hong Kong China (ranked 45) and Indonesia.
The Indians should have a smooth run till the semifinals, where they maybe taking on either arch-rivals Pakistan (ranked 13) or Malaysia (ranked 12).
Going by rankings, it should be a cakewalk for India in the continental event as they are the only side in the competition to be placed inside top 10 in the world. Indonesia are no where in world hockey map and it is bound to be a lopsided contest ton Monday.
It is expected to be a goal fest for India on Monday and it just remains to be seen how many Harendra Singh’s men can pump in to boost their morale ahead of other pool matches. India’s medal-less show at Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April had the fans worried but the team bounced back strongly to reach the final of the concluding edition of the Champions Trophy under Harendra’s guidance. India bumped into world number one Australia in the title clash and lost only in the shoot off. Going by their form and performance against top teams of the world, India will be favourites to win their second consecutive Asian Games title, which they have never achieved in the history of the continental event.
In 15 editions, the only time the Indians returned without a medal from the Asian Games was in Doha in 2006. Harendra, who took over the reigns of the senior men’s national team in May this year for a record fourth time, wants his wards to create a legacy by the end of 2018 and, according to him, the Asiad is the first step towards that target. (PTI)
