KOLKATA: The Indian men’s hockey team will open their World Cup campaign against Wales on August 15 and take on England two days later on August 17. They will play their final Group D match against Pakistan on August 19, according to the schedule published by FIH on Wednesday. Pakistan have qualified for the World Cup after being knocked out in 2023, and a clash between the two subcontinental rivals is always a potential humdinger. The two teams have met five times in the World Cup so far, and India have won three times, including a famous 2-1 victory in the 1975 final. Talking about the grouping and the Pakistan match in particular, India coach Craig Fulton said, “We are happy with our draw in Pool D. England, Pakistan and Wales are a good group and we respect all three teams. The match against Pakistan will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament, and we are looking forward to it.” Meanwhile, the women’s team will begin their campaign against China on August 16. The Sjoerd Marijne-coached side will then take on South Africa on August 18 before their final group match against England on August 20. It promises to be a tough group for the women’s team considering how England and China have fared against them in recent times, and they will have to play out of their skins to ensure a place in the knockouts. “It’s a very competitive and balanced pool. There are teams like England and China who bring different styles and a lot of experience, while the South African women’s national field hockey team is always unpredictable and dangerous on their day,” Marjan said in a release. “However, for us, it’s not about the draw – it’s about how we show up. At the World Cup, every match demands your best,” added the Dutch coach. The women’s squad will travel to the USA and Argentina and play practice matches in Germany, in addition to taking part in the Nations Cup in New Zealand. Similarly, the men’s team will also continue to play overseas ahead of the World Cup and Asian Games. “We’re going to be a long way from home. We’ll be in Malaysia against New Zealand and Australia, and then travel to Europe for the Pro League,” Fulton previously said. India’s WC group matches: Men: v Wales 15 Aug, v England 17 Aug, v Pakistan 19 Aug; Women: vs China 16 August, vs South Africa 18 August, vs England 20 August.
