India drawn in tough pool

An uphill task awaits India in this year’s women’s hockey World Cup in Argentina where they have been clubbed alongside reigning World and Olympic champions the Netherlands and formidable teams like Germany and Australia.

Japan and New Zealand are the other two teams in Pool A along with India.
The Indian eves will open their campaign against the mighty Dutch girls on August 30 followed by matches against Australia (September 1), Germany (September 3), Japan (September 5) and New Zealand (September 7).

The Pool B, meanwhile, consists of hosts Argentina, China, Spain, England, Korea and South Africa.

The opening match of the event, to be held in Rosario, Argentina from August 29 to September 11, will witness Asian rivalry between China and Korea, followed by hosts Argentina taking on South Africa and Spain-England encounter.

The top two teams of each pool will proceed to the semi-finals, which are scheduled on September 9.

The final will be played on September 11.

Meanwhile, India have been in Napier for their five-match series against New Zealand. India lead the series 1-0 and the final two matches will be played in Wellington this weekend.