Can Indian hockey make it count at the Tokyo Olympics?

Tokyo Olympics - How can India fare in the fixtures?

Tokyo Olympics - How can India fare in the fixtures?

Ever since the rule change ahead of the Rio Olympics, field hockey is now as exciting and competitive as it was in the early sixties. It is also a lot better for India, which earlier struggled with the 70-minute structure and the AstroTurf.

India is located in Pool A in the men's event, alongside current Olympic champions Argentina, and Asian champions Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Spain. On the other hand, the Indian eves are placed in the 'Group of Death', since it comprises Olympic champions Great Britain and World Champions from Netherlands. Apart from that, this group also comprises Olympic medalists Germany and World Cup runners-up Ireland. The only weak team here is South Africa.

However, the fixtures make the deal a bit easier. The six teams only need to play each other once, and the top four will make the cut. In the men's group, the Indians just need to win against Japan and New Zealand, and make sure that they at least draw against Argentina and Spain, if not defeat them. Should they somehow manage to pummel Australia, it would be an added bonus.

The road to the quarters is tougher for women, but not impossible. On their day, they can defeat the likes of Britain and Ireland. If they manage to do it, apart from ensuring a win against the South African team, the knockout would be a mere trifle. It's up to them to ensure whether they want to go back home as just Olympians, or come back proudly as Olympic medalists.