‘Home support a big factor’

The India team arrived in Raipur on Monday for a test series against Australia to be played from November 19 to 22 followed by the Hero Hockey World League Finals from November 27 to December 6.

“We are excited to be in Raipur. We have been together for more than a month at the camp in Bengaluru and have been showing good results in practice sessions. The coaching staff has been working really hard along with the team and the test series against Australia will set the pattern for the Hero Hockey World League Finals. We wish to put up a good show in front of the home crowd,” high performance director and chief coach of the men’s team, Roelant Oltmans, said.

The world no. 1 team and the reigning world champions will play three matches against India on November 19, 22 and 23. While the first match will be played at Rajnandgaon, the latter two will be held in the state capital.

The series is a preparation event for the eight-nation HWL Final.

“We are glad that the tournaments are happening in our backyard it will give us more time to get used to the pitch and home support will also be a big factor. The boys are positive and enthusiastic and are looking forward to playing in both the tournaments,” Sardar said.

The Australia team reached on Saturday and received a traditional welcome with a small cultural performance from locals amidst a large group of fans waiting to catch a glimpse of the stars.

“India has always been one of those places we want to come back to. The warm welcome that we have received always has been overwhelming and we are keen to display top level hockey in front of the fans here,” Australia head coach Graham Reid said.

“Raipur is a new destination but we all know that we are set to play against an audience who understand and follow the sport and that’s what makes the competition all the more exciting and competitive,” he added.