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Although many have written off India’s chances of a podium finish, there are some – most notably Hockey India’s High Performance Director and legendary Dutch coach Roelant Oltmans – who believe that the side are making big strides in the right direction and could well surprise in The Hague. Current head coach and former Australian international Terry Walsh has been working hard to enhance India’s physical and mental strength ahead of this tournament in a bid to give his charges the best possible chance of success.

Although many have written off India’s chances of a podium finish
Although many have written off India’s chances of a podium finish

Walsh has selected a team which is still very much focused on the future, with only four members of the Hockey World Cup squad having surpassed the 100 cap marker – Gurbaj Singh (150+ caps), S.V. Sunil (130+), V.R. Raghunath (150+) and inspirational captain Sardar Singh (180+). Giant drag-flicking defender Raghunath and classy midfielder Sardar are the stars of the show, but lively 19-year-old striker Mandeep Singh is another player well worth keeping an eye on. India’s young guns claimed an extremely creditable second place finish behind Korea at the 2013 Asia Cup, and will be hoping to continue their rapid development in The Hague.

Best World Cup results:

The Indian men won gold in 1975 (Kuala Lumpur) and have taken part in 12 previous World Cups.

FIH World Ranking:
10th

News:
25-03-2013: This is: India!

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