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G. PRASAD

After successfully hosting the men’s hockey World Cup in 2010, India will play host to another major event – the men’s Champions Trophy, in November–December 2011. India as host qualified automatically for the tournament, which will feature seven other teams — World champion Australia, Olympic champion Germany, The Netherlands, England, Spain, Korea and Pakistan. Bringing such mega events to India will help reignite the passion for our national sport. A disappointing eighth place finish in the World Cup notwithstanding, India salvaged some pride in the recent Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. After 1996 and 2005, the Champions Trophy returns to India and the host will be hoping to be third time lucky to win the tournament that has eluded it so far.