Indian Men’s and Women’s Hockey teams leave for 18th Asian Games Jakarta

With their vision set on securing qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games by winning Gold, confident Indian Men and Women’s Hockey Teams left for the 18th Asian Games Jakarta 2018 from the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Tuesday morning. While the 18-member Women’s team will begin their campaign against hosts Indonesia in their opening match in Pool B clash on 19 August 2018, the Indian Men will begin their title defence against Indonesia on 20August 2018. Speaking about improving their previous performance of Bronze Medal in 2014, Women’s Team Captain Rani said, “We are going into the Asian Games after a strong performance in the FIH Women’s World Cup 2018 which has given us a lot of confidence. Though we were disappointed that we did not make the Semi Final, winning a Gold in the Asian Games will help fade the bitter memories of the World Cup. The team is upbeat, confident and we are eager to further improve our career best World Ranking of No.9 by winning the Asian Games.”

The Women’s team will face Korea, Thailand, Kazakhstan and Indonesia in Pool B and will have to finish in the top two in the Pool Stage to make the Semi Final of the Asian Games. Meanwhile the Indian Men’s Hockey Team grouped with Indonesia, Korea, Japan, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong China will be aiming to defend their title and ensure good momentum as they approach the season Finale in November at the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018.