Champions Trophy: India hope to create hockey history in the Temple City

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A maiden Champions Trophy title will be the perfect way for Indian hockey to round off a memorable 2014 after a CWG silver and Asiad gold.

A maiden Champions Trophy title will be the perfect way for Indian hockey to round off a memorable 2014, but for that they will have to beat the best in the business at the Temple City of India - Bhubaneswar.

Deciding to move international events out of their first-choice venue Delhi, Hockey India chose Bhubaneswar's Kalinga Stadium to host the marquee FIH event that commences from Saturday, with the final to be played on December 14.

A Champions Trophy gold has been elusive for India, with their only noted success being a bronze way back in the 1982 edition. But after silver at this year's Glasgow CWG followed by top podium finish at the Incheon Asian Games, momentum is with Sardar Singh and his boys.

The team proved that it's twin success wasn't a fluke on the tour of Australia that followed. After losing the opening match, the India team rallied brilliantly to beat the hosts in the next three games to win the four-match series 3-1.

Albeit it was an understrength Australia team, a rare series win against the world No. 1 should have sent out enough warnings to India's opponents.

"They are a very experienced team and if they continue playing in the same manner as they performed in the 17th Asian Games and the tour of Australia, they have a strong chance to win this championship as well," Australia skipper Eddie Ockenden said.

One psychological obstacle India will have to overcome is the absence of Terry Walsh, who resigned as team's head coach last month.

India tasted success at CWG, Asiad and on the tour of Australia under Walsh, who decided to leave his job owing to difference with Hockey India. But with him not being there, the team will have to suddenly adjust to the style of Dutchman and Hockey India's Director of High Performance, Roelant Oltmans.

Oltmans was asked to double up as the team's coach for the Champions Trophy, which is something he has done in the past as well. But considering the pressure an event like this brings with it, the team will have to make sure that it ticks most boxes to beat the likes of Germany, Netherlands and Australia.

"I have done that [coaching India] before as well in the 2013 Asia Cup. It's not the most good thing but at this moment we have to look forward and ensure we prepare the team as good as we can for the Champions Trophy," Oltmans told media before leaving for Bhubaneswar.

In the 36-year history of the tournament since 1978, India's best showing is a third-place finish in 1982. In fact, it was 20 years ago, in 1994, that an Asian team won the Champions Trophy - when Pakistan beat Germany (7-6) in the final via penalty shootout.

But Oltmans says despite off-field distractions, the team looks good for its best showing in the event. "The morale of the team is good because we clearly know there are distractions in every process. But at this moment we only want to look forward," the Dutchman said.

For the last 20 years, the Australians and the Europeans have had a stranglehold in the tournament, with the Aussies enjoying an overwhelming title-winning run in the last five editions.

India are placed in Pool B, alongside world No. 2 Netherlands, current Olympic champions Germany and surprise-package Argentina. Pool A comprises top-ranked Australia, 2012 bronze medallists Pakistan, the dangerous world No. 4 Belgium and England.

The pool stage will be followed by the quarter-finals, semis, classification matches and the final.

India play their first match against Germany on December 6.

FIXTURES (IST)

Dec 6

Australia vs England - 1200

Belgium vs Pakistan - 1400

Netherlands vs Argentina - 1730

Germany vs India - 1930

Dec 7

Belgium vs Australia - 1200

England vs Pakistan - 1400

Germany vs Netherlands - 1730