Having suffered the ignominy of missing out on an Olympic berth for the first time ever two years ago, hosts India get a chance to redeem themselves on the world stage, in front of their home fans, as they look to regain their lost glory.
Eight time Olympic gold medalists would be eager to add to their tally of just one World Cup win (way back in 1975), or atleast manage their first podium finish at a world event since 1982, when they had won a bronze medal in the Champions Trophy.
India have qualified for the Hero Honda FIH 2010 World Cup as tournament hosts. It is the second time in history that India hosts the FIH World cup. Previously, Bombay (nowadays known as Mumbai) staged the competition in 1982.
Hockey is alive in India, the country with arguably the most formidable pedigree in men`s hockey, having won 11 Olympic medals including an unparalleled eight golds. Visions of India teams surface, sides that were propelled by such mesmerising players like Dhyan Chand, the legend that has given his name to the venue for the Hero Honda FIH 2010 World Cup.
Spaniard José Manuel Brasa is at helm of a young squad, which, though undoubtedly talented, still needs to be tested for its big match temperament.
Onus would be on seniors Prabhjot Singh, Sandeep Singh, fleet-footed Shivendra, Arjun Halappa, goalkeeper Adrian D`Souza as well as skipper Rajpal Singh, to uphold Brasa’s vow to erase dreadful memories of the abysmal 11th place finish four years ago.
History book also favours India as the host nation has won a medal in five of the previous six World Cups.
India kick-off their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan and if the results of this mouth-watering clash end up favourable for the hosts, it might provide the much needed ignition to the spark the team would require to go all the way.
India are among five ever presents in the FIH World Cup, with Germany, Spain, Netherlands and rivals Pakistan being the others.
