Captain Harmanpreet Singh on Friday said that facing the formidable Australian team on their home turf will help the Indian men’s hockey team identify key areas for improvement ahead of this month’s Asia Cup, which also serves as a World Cup qualifier. The Indian team departed in the early hours for Australia, where they will play a crucial four-match series against the hosts at Perth Hockey Stadium from August 15 to 21.
“Playing Australia in their home conditions is always a great challenge, and that’s exactly what we need at this stage of our preparations,” Harmanpreet said before the team’s departure. “We’re treating this series as a key part of our build-up to the Asia Cup. The focus is on improving as a unit, testing ourselves against strong opposition, and building the momentum we need heading into Rajgir,” he added.
“These matches will help us pinpoint the areas that need sharpening before the Asia Cup, and we’re excited about the opportunity to play high-intensity hockey against a top side like Australia.” The tour is expected to offer valuable match exposure against one of the world’s highest-ranked teams, giving the coaching staff a chance to fine-tune combinations and evaluate player form ahead of the continental tournament.
The matches are scheduled for August 15, 16, 19, and 21. The squad features a blend of experienced players and emerging talent and will be closely monitored as the final group for the Asia Cup is finalised. The Asia Cup will begin on August 29 in Rajgir, with the winner of the tournament earning a direct berth.
Punjab assert dominance
Meanwhile in Chennai, Hockey Punjab were crowned as the champions of the 15th Hockey India Sub Junior Men National Championship 2025 as they won the final of Division ‘A’ defeating Hockey Jharkhand 4-3 in the Final. The title clash was a closely contested final, with both teams fighting till the final whistle. Hockey Jharkhand started the second quarter strongly, scoring two back-to-back goals through Ashish Tani Purti (21′) and Anish Dungdung (24′). However, Hockey Punjab quickly equalised with Akshit Salaria (29′) and Varinder Singh (30′) scoring in quick succession. Jharkhand’s Sukhu Guria (42′) attempted to swing the game in his team’s favour, but a brace by Punjab’s Mandeep Singh (45′, 53′) sealed the deal for Hockey Punjab, crowning them champions.
The bronze medal match saw Hockey Madhya Pradesh start strong, taking a two-goal lead in the first half. However, they were outwitted by Uttar Pradesh Hockey in the final two quarters, as Ali Shahrukh (42′, 47′, 51′) scored a hat-trick, supported by Mohd Atif Raynee (40′) and Prahalad Rajbhar (55′), who each scored a goal, leading their team to a 5-3 victory. The goals for Hockey Madhya Pradesh were scored by Aashir Aadil Khan (13′), Karan Gautam (20′), and Meezan Ur Rehman (58′).
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
