Chhattisgarh’s biggest moment in International Hockey foray opens today even as Indian skipper Sardar Singh said the preparatory three-match Test series played against World number one Australia had been a confidence booster for Indian team members and requisite improvements have been done from the recent experience.
Interacting with media persons during a programme held to unveil the Trophy of Hero Hockey World league Finals in Raipur on Thursday, the mid-fielder said that 18-member Indian squad is confident of displaying remarkable hockey in the event, starting from November 27 to December 6 with opening match featuring India and Argentina.
“It would be incorrect to compare a game with other. Hockey is gaining popularity in the country. The game has witnessed significant promotional efforts from government as well as sponsors in the recent past,” he said while responding to a media query.
The skippers of eight teams participating in the mega event jointly unveiled the Trophy of Hero Hockey World league Finals at a city-based hotel on Thursday.
India is placed in ‘Pool-B’ along with World number five - Argentina, world number two- The Netherlands and world number three-- Germany while ‘Pool-A’ featuring world number one-- Australia, Great Britain ( ranking 4), Belgium ( ranking 7) and Canada (ranking 14).
Besides, a face-off between India and Argentina on the opening day of the Championship, the hockey fans will also witness the famous European rivalry between Germany and The Netherlands.
Notably, all the eight teams participating in the league have qualified for 2016 Rio Olympics. Along with the Trophy and elevation in world rankings, Hero Hockey World league Finals will be offering direct berth to winning team in Champions Trophy-2016 to be held in Argentina.
A world class feed crew of around 65 people, including expert camera operators, replay artists, graphics operators and a Dolby sound team have been deployed for the task of showcasing this event to the world.
The 16 camera production unit will feature super-slow and ultra-motion replays, speed guns, digital zoom and goalkeeper matrix to help deliver a world-class viewing experience for Hero Hockey World league Finals.