Hassan Sardar, a former Pakistani hockey player and Olympic gold medallist, has praised the current Indian hockey team for their maturity and focus. In an interview, Sardar stated that the Indian team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, is capable of competing at the highest level and has a strong chance of doing well in the upcoming FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, which begins in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela this Friday. India is placed in group D, alongside England, Spain and Wales.
Sardar, who was known for his goal-scoring abilities during the late 1970s and early 1980s, acknowledged that India has made great strides in recent years and has developed into a formidable team. He also mentioned that other strong contenders in the tournament include Australia, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Furthermore, Sardar praised the Indian team for their maturity, focus and their home advantage. He also commended the efforts of Odisha’s Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, in promoting hockey in the state. India’s only World Cup victory came in 1975, when they defeated Pakistan in the final.
In conclusion, Sardar’s words of praise for the Indian team are a testament to the progress they have made in recent years. The Indian team will look to build on their bronze medal finish at the Tokyo Olympics, and make a strong showing in the World Cup. With a well-rounded squad, home advantage, and a team that is well-prepared, the Indian team will be a tough opponent for any team in the tournament.