India faces Germany in bilateral hockey series, feeling of revenge in their mind

Harmanpreet Singh's Indian hockey team will have some unfinished business to finish at the Paris Olympic Games when they take on defending World Cup champions Germany in a two-match bilateral series at the iconic Major Dhyanchand National Stadium. Germany had defeated India in the semi-final match in Paris Olympics. India then won the bronze medal by defeating Spain in the third-place match, while Germany lost to the Netherlands in the final and had to settle for a silver medal.

The first match of the India-Germany series on Wednesday will be a historic moment as international hockey returns to the capital after a decade-long gap. The Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium last hosted an international match during the Hockey World League Final in January 2014, making the event even more special.

The India vs Germany series promises to offer intense and exciting hockey, as both the teams share a tough rivalry. Since 2013, the two sides have faced each other 19 times, with India winning 8 matches and Germany winning 7 matches. While Germany, who have performed well recently by winning the World Cup and securing a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, will look to continue their dominance. India will be desperate to avenge the narrow 3-2 defeat in the semi-finals in Paris.

This series holds special significance for Indian men's hockey team head coach Craig Fulton. The South African made his international debut as a 21-year-old in the 1995 Indira Gandhi Gold Cup held at the same stadium. His return to this historic venue, now as the head coach of the Indian national team, is a fulfilling moment in his career. After 29 years, Fulton brings his wealth of experience and leadership to a team that has shown significant improvement under his guidance, setting the stage for an intriguing clash.

Speaking on this, Fulton said, “It is a special feeling to be back at this iconic venue, where my international journey began almost three decades ago. To return here, but this time as the coach of the Indian national team, is truly remarkable. Playing a series against a top team like Germany in front of enthusiastic home fans adds to the significance of the occasion.

“So, yes, life has really come full circle for me, and I look forward to guiding this talented group of players in such an important series. It's a moment of pride and reflection for me personally , and I hope we can deliver a memorable performance,'' he said.

Speaking further about the series and facing Germany, Fulton said, “From the opposition's point of view, Germany pose a lot of threats, they are very good tactically, they are very good at man-to-man marking. So, we have to adapt to the tactics. You know, you can play one way for 10 minutes and then play another way. They are a good team and we like playing Germany. “

Indian men's hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh also expressed his excitement about playing his first international match in the capital, saying, “I am really excited to play in Delhi again.” “I have a lot of memories of this city and the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.

“In 2013, I was part of the junior camp held here, and I spent countless hours training and honing my skills in this very stadium. It played a vital role in my development as a player, so to play an international match here Laut Gaya feels like a special homecoming, the atmosphere, the crowd and the significance of the venue makes it even more exciting,” he said.

On playing against Germany, Harmanpreet said, “The intensity will be the same as it was in Paris, but I think it is important to learn from every match, whether you win or lose. Every team follows 2 to 3 formations, and ours Will be careful.” Stay on it.”

India, buoyed by their strong recent form including victory and home advantage in the Asian Champions Trophy, will look to use their pace and skill to overcome a well-trained German team.

The India vs Germany Bilateral Hockey Series 2024 promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams aiming to make a strong statement ahead of the upcoming major tournaments. Fans can expect two days of thrilling action as India and Germany renew their rivalry on the country's biggest stage.