5 things India must do to win the Champions Trophy for the first time

5. Believe

Believe they can win – and they will

Lastly, the Indian side cannot afford to be overwhelmed by the apparent monstrosity of the challenge at hand. Sure, the team has spent years, rather decades, away from the glorious platform that once used to be beneath our feet on a regular basis – but the recent surge has obliterated our reputation as minnows for good.

A resounding bronze in the 2015 Hockey World League, consecutive silver medals at the 2010 Delhi and 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games are sparkling signs of the much-awaited reincarnation of Indian Hockey.

Such a setting ahead of the Rio Olympics is perfect for the Indian team to make a dash for its maiden FIH Champions Trophy. With coach Roelant Oltmans at the helm, all it needs to do is believe they can defeat every opposition and so they will, putting up a spirited performance at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.