Sports Minister and great hockey players are confident of India’s good performance in the World Cup
Sports Minister Anurag Thakur Friday said he is confident of a podium finish for India at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup to be held next month. The World Cup will be played in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela from January 13 to 29 next year.
Unveiling the World Cup trophy here, Thakur told reporters, “India is fully prepared. He is ready to face the challenge of all the other 15 teams. I think India is ready to become world champion once again.I am sure that the way the Indian team is preparing and is full of new energy and confidence, we will do very well in the World Cup and in the Paris Olympics. India last won the World Cup title 47 years ago in 1975 in Kuala Lumpur. Thakur said, “I am happy to unveil this prestigious trophy and I am sure that the tournament will be spectacular. ,
The Sports Minister said, “India will host the tournament in the best possible way and I am sure that like the 1975 World Cup, our Indian team will also make every effort to win the 2023 World Cup so that the new generation remembers this achievement.” Keep it Zafar Iqbal, who was part of the 1980 Olympic gold medal-winning team, said India is one of the favorites to lift the trophy.
Iqbal said, “We have now reached a higher level and there is no doubt about it. We can now take on strong Germany, Australia, Belgium and the Netherlands. The top four-five teams are equally good. India has made a mark by winning a bronze medal in the Olympics. India has the ability to win trophies. He said, “Yes, I am sure that India has a chance to get a podium position. If the players play together, they are capable of doing this, they will definitely reach the podium. We have got very good short corner specialists and field goalscorers. ,
At the same time, Ajit Pal Singh, the captain of the 1975 World Cup winning team, said that there is no strong contender in the World Cup. “I cannot say at this stage who is a strong contender. India have a good chance but they will have to play very well. There are very strong teams in the tournament and I wish the Indian team all the best. They have to give their best. His teammate Ashok Kumar said that the Indian team is in rhythm and is looking very strong at the moment. He said, “Why not? I am sure India will be among the top three. He has rhythm. The experience of winning a medal at the Olympics is huge and the Indian team is full of enthusiasm.
