In preparation for this month’s Asia Cup, which doubles as a World Cup qualifier, captain Harmanpreet Singh stated on Friday that the Indian men’s hockey team will be able to pinpoint important areas for development by playing the strong Australian squad at home.
The Indian squad left Bengaluru early in the morning to travel to Australia, where they will face the hosts in a pivotal four-match series from August 15–21 at Perth Hockey Stadium.
“Playing Australia in their home conditions is always a great challenge, and that’s exactly what we need at this stage of our preparations,” Harmanpreet said before the team’s departure.
“We’re treating this series as a key part of our build-up to the Asia Cup. The focus is on improving as a unit, testing ourselves against strong opposition, and building the momentum we need heading into Rajgir,” he added.
“These matches will help us pinpoint the areas that need sharpening before the Asia Cup, and we’re excited about the opportunity to play high-intensity hockey against a top side like Australia, he remarked.”
Prior to the continental event, the coaching staff will have the opportunity to assess player form and adjust combinations thanks to the tour’s anticipated valuable match experience against one of the top-ranked teams in the world.
The dates of the games are August 15, 16, 19, and 21.
The team, which combines seasoned athletes with up-and-coming talent, will be eagerly watched as the Asia Cup final group is determined.
The winner of the competition will receive a direct berth in the Asia Cup, which will start in Rajgir on August 29.
