CWG 2022: Birmingham Commonwealth Games: After an impressive bronze medal finish, the India men’s hockey team will be eyeing major glory at the Commonwealth Games. Ever since the inclusion of hockey in 1998, Australia have been brilliant, winning gold medals in all six editions. However, India player Manpreet Singh feels India have it in them to stop Aussies’ dominance and are working towards it. Follow CWG 2022 LIVE Updates with InsideSport.IN
India have always been a strong hockey nation. They met Australia in the finals of the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games, but also secured silver medal. India are keen to upgrade their colour this time.
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“Yes, we can stop that (Australia’s dominance). We are working towards that, especially we are giving some good attention to fitness. Earlier, we were told that our fitness is not great, but the fitness of our team is very good now,” said Manpreet at the sidelines of India’s CWG kit unveiling and send-off ceremony.
CWG 2022: India hockey captain Manpreet Singh believes India can stop Australia dominance at Commonwealth Games, says ‘we are working towards that’
“With Australia, we need to give them less chances, but make sure that when we get our chance, we need to hurt them.”
However, Australia are not involved in their group. India are in Pool B, comprising England, Canada, Wales and Ghana. Australia is in the other pool. The two teams are expected to meet later in the competition during the knockout stages or medal rounds.
India’s best show at the CWG far
- 1998 – Fourth (lost to England in bronze medal match)
- 2010 – Silver (lost to Australia in final)
- 2014 – Silver (lost to Australia in final)
- 2018 – Fourth (lost to England in bronze medal match)
With India having some quality players in their ranks, they can surely beat any team in the world, including Australia. But it is about executing their plans and the team has been studying all teams in the competition to be better prepared in the group stages too.
CWG 2022: India hockey captain Manpreet Singh believes India can stop Australia dominance at Commonwealth Games, says ‘we are working towards that’
“We not only think about Australia, but also other teams in the competition. Australia are not in our group, but I feel we are going to meet them somewhere down the line. Likewise, we study about all the teams, their weak points, their strong points,” added Manpreet.
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