Tokyo 2020: Men face New Zealand, women take on Netherlands as Indian hockey teams begin campaigns

The men would be seeking to reclaim a glorious past, while the women would be aiming to script some history of their own when the two Indian hockey teams begin their Olympic campaign in Tokyo on Saturday with expectations from both at a high.

Men will be up against eighth-ranked New Zealand, followed by the women’s clash with the Netherlands.

Indian men’s hockey has a rich history in the Summer Games having won the gold an unprecedented eight times in the past, the last of which came way back in the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

A slump followed but the last few years have seen a resurgence in fortunes. With a current world ranking of four, the Indians are considered a bright medal prospect this time around in Tokyo.

Tokyo 2020, men’s hockey preview: Manpreet Singh’s young and upbeat India look to end medal wait

But it would be easier said than done as India are placed in a tough Group A alongside the likes of reigning Olympic champions Argentina, mighty Australia, hosts Japan, New Zealand and Spain.

Group B consists of world champions Belgium, Canada, Germany, Great Britain, Netherlands and South Africa.

The top four teams from each group qualify for the quarterfinals.

Going by form and current ranking, the Indians definitely start as favourites against…

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