The Hindu : Sport / Hockey : Junior World Cup from today

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Junior World Cup from today

Hockey Correspondent

Chennai: Launched in 1979 in the French city of Versailles for the trophy named after Roger Danet, former President of European Hockey Federation, and designed to bring the spotlight on the youth talent across the globe, the junior World Cup enters its ninth edition on Sunday.

The fret and fever of speculation about the outcome notwithstanding the competition now is unique in more ways than one. It is the first time that the FIH has enlarged the event to accommodate as many as 20 teams and also allowed it to be held in two countries-Singapore and Malaysia (Johore Baru).

From India’s standpoint, the competition carries a lot of significance in view of the excellent assimilation of talent under the dedicated coach like A.K. Bansal, who steered the squad to a trophy triumph in the Asia Cup.

More importantly, as the former champion — India won the cup at Hobart in 2001 — the National team is duty bound to establish its credentials as a force to reckon with this time.

India missed a medal by a quirk of circumstances in the bronze medal tie against Spain. In 1997, India missed the gold, albeit narrowly, against Australia in Milton Keynes.

Well balanced

The Indian squad, spearheaded by the penalty corner striker, Diwakar Ram, is viewed as well balanced, fired by the desire to court success. Placed in Pool ‘D,’ along with the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland and Singapore, India takes on the host in the first match on June 8.

The Pools: Pool ‘A’: Argentina, Belgium, Egypt, Pakistan, Russia. Pool ‘B’: Australia, Chile, Germany, Japan, South Africa. Pool ‘C’: England, South Korea, Malaysia, Spain, USA. Pool ‘D’: India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore.