Already assured of a place in next year's Rio Olympics, a relaxed Indian men's hockey team would look to experiment with its strategies in the FIH World league Semifinals where it takes on a lowly France in the side's opener on Saturday.
The Hockey World league (HWl) Semifinals in Antwerp offers direct entry to the 2016 Olympics for three teams each in the men and women's competitions.
The Indian men's team is the only one in this tournament to have already secured its passage to Rio by virtue of winning the gold medal at the Incheon Asian Games.
Under the stewardship of new chief coach Paul van Ass, the Indian men's team has the rare luxury of trying out new strategies in a major international event. Van Ass acknowledged that India is now able to match the pace set by the rivals, but his wards need to bolster their ability of setting the pace to suit their game plan.
India's qualification for the Olympic Games has provided Van Ass some time to implement his strategy and assess the abilities of players available, although a few injuries during training ahead of the Belgian sojourn has been a disappointment.
Three late changes were made to the Indian squad. India's path to the semifinal is blocked by Australia and Pakistan, besides Poland and France. The French are India's opening day rivals, who have grown in strength in recent years.
It was a runaway victory over France in the qualification that secured India's passage to the 2012 Olympic Games, which turned out to be an embarrassment.
Penalty corners vital: Paul
Indian hockey team might have defeated France in the first practice match but chief coach Paul van Ass feels Saturday's clash will be a real test for the side and they need to not only get the penalty corners but also convert them.
"The boys look in good form as they have showcased great play during the practice matches. But tomorrow will be the real test that they have to pass," van Ass said ahead of their opening match.
"Our practice match against Great Britain helped the team to work on the initial pressure that we had planned. I am hoping they continue this,” he stated.
Women clash with Belgium
Their eyes firmly set on a ticket to next year's Rio Olympics, Indian women's hockey team will lock horns with hosts Belgium in their inaugural match of the FIH World league Semi-Finals.
Going by rankings, there is hardly anything to differentiate between India (13th) and Belgium (12th) and the side which manages to overcome the pressure will come out on top.
But going by recent records, Belgium hold an edge over the Indians as they defeated their rivals on two occasions during the 2014 Champions Challenge.
But come Saturday, the eves will be desperate to turn around their fortunes and hope to continue their good form in the prestigious tournament by utilising the experience from their practice matches.
lIVE ON STAR SPORTS: Belgium vs India (women) at 7:30 PM; France vs India (men) at 9:30 PM.