Hockey is making a comeback in New Delhi after ten years as the Indian team prepares to face Germany in a two-match bilateral series scheduled for October 23-24. The iconic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium will host this thrilling contest, which has seen some memorable encounters over recent years.
Indian hockey enthusiasts likely wish to forget the last encounter between these teams, which took place during the 2024 Paris Olympics. In that semi-final, despite India controlling much of the game, they ultimately lost to Germany 3-2, resulting in a trip to the bronze medal match. Though the Olympic campaign featured several significant victories for the Indian team, the defeat to Germany remains a sore point in Paris.
Harmanpreet Singh and his teammates will aim to amend that outcome in the two matches set to occur in New Delhi, as the venue welcomes the sport back for the first time since 2014. The city holds sentimental value for both Craig Fulton and Harmanpreet. Fulton debuted for South Africa in Delhi in 1995 at the Indira Gandhi Gold Cup, held at this stadium when he was just 21. His return to this historic location now as the head coach of the Indian national team represents a full-circle moment in his career.
It’s a special feeling to be back at this iconic venue, where my international journey began nearly three decades ago. To return here, but this time as the coach of the Indian national team is truly remarkable. Playing a series against a top team like Germany in front of passionate home fans adds to the significance of the occasion, said Fulton during the press conference.
So, yes, life has indeed come full circle for me, and I’m looking forward to guiding this talented group of players in such an important series. It’s a moment of pride and reflection for me personally, and I hope we can deliver a memorable performance, he added.
For Harmanpreet, it was a sentimental journey back to his days in junior camp, but the Indian captain was quick to emphasize that he wants his team to maintain a high level of intensity against the current World Champions and silver medalists from the Paris Olympics.
The intensity will be the same as it was in Paris, but I think what is important is to learn from every match, whether you win or lose. Every team follows 2 to 3 structures, and our focus will be on that, said Harmanpreet. With all the elements of a thrilling series, India and Germany will be aiming to serve up some exciting hockey in front of the Delhi crowd.
Since 2013, India and Germany have played against each other 19 times. India has secured victory in 8 of those matches, whereas Germany has won 7. There have been 4 matches that ended in a tie. Germany has triumphed twice this year in closely contested matches. The India vs. Germany matches will commence at 3 p.m. IST. The matches will be available for live streaming on the FanCode app and website. Additionally, the games will be broadcast on the DD Sports channel.
Meanwhile, the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team maintained their unbeaten streak at the Sultan of Johor Cup, achieving a decisive 4-2 win against the host nation, Malaysia, on Tuesday. This victory marked their third straight win in the tournament, positioning them at the top of the points table with a total of 9 points. New Zealand is in second place with 5 points, while Australia is in third with 4 points. India’s goals were scored by Sharda Nand Tiwari (11′), Arshdeep Singh (13′), Talem Priyobarta (39′), and Rohit (40′). In contrast, Malaysia’s Muhammad Danish Aiman (8′) and Harris Osman (9′) netted early goals for the home team.
