BENGALURU: Setting off from Kempegowda Worldwide Airport (KIA) on Thursday morning, the Indian crew launched into their journey to Muscat, Oman, for the inaugural version of the FIH Hockey5s Males’s World Cup.
Securing their spot within the event by defeating arch-rivals Pakistan 4-4 (0-2 SO) within the thrilling Ultimate of the Males’s Asian Hockey5s World Cup Qualifier, India discover itself positioned in Pool B, alongside Egypt, Jamaica, and Switzerland.
The opposite groups within the fray embody theNetherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan and Poland in Pool A and Pool C options Australia, Kenya, New Zealand, and Trinidad & Tobago whereas Pool D consists of Fiji, Malaysia, Oman and the US.
India’s marketing campaign kicks off with a match in opposition to Switzerland on January 28, adopted by a conflict with Egypt on the identical day. India’s remaining group recreation will probably be in opposition to Jamaica on January 29.
The Quarter-Finals are scheduled for January 30, with the semifinals going down on the identical day, and the Ultimate set to happen on January 31.
The Indian crew, led by skilled ahead Simranjeet Singh, an Olympic Bronze medallist, and vice-captained by defender Mandeep Mor, boasts a formidable lineup that features goalkeepers Suraj Karkera and Prashant Kumar Chauhan. Mandeep Mor, alongside Manjeet, will probably be pivotal within the defence, whereas the midfield will probably be commanded by Mohd Raheel Mouseen and Maninder Singh.
The ahead line options Pawan Rajbhar, Gurjot Singh, and Uttam Singh, complementing the management of Captain Simranjeet.
Earlier than departing to Oman, captain Simranjeet acknowledged: “It is an honour to guide the crew into the FIH Hockey5s Males’s World Cup. We have labored arduous to earn our place on this prestigious event, and every participant is dedicated to giving their finest on the sector. We’re excited for the problem, and with the help of our followers, we goal to make our nation proud.”
Echoing comparable ideas, vice-captain Mandeep stated: “Being appointed the Vice Captain is a accountability I embrace with satisfaction. Our crew is a cohesive unit, and we’re equipped for the robust competitors forward. We have proven our mettle within the qualifiers, and now, we’re targeted on delivering robust performances within the World Cup. With the help of our teammates and the teaching employees, we’re decided to go away a mark in Oman and produce dwelling a gold medal.”