India take on NZ

After a forgettable 2008, Indian men’s hockey team will be looking to redeem themselves when they begin their journey in the inaugural four-nation Punjab Gold Cup with a match against world number seven New Zealand, here on Saturday. In a mouth-watering match of the day, Olympic champions Germany will take on the Netherlands on Saturday.

India, who made a comeback to international hockey after a hiatus of almost a year with a series against Argentina earlier this month, have their task cut out in their first tournament since last year’s Olympic debacle as Beijing Games champions Germany, European champions the Netherlands and the mighty Kiwis stand in their way.

A rusty India, led by new captain Sandeep Singh and under coach-in-charge Harendra Singh, started their four-Test campaign in Argentina on a promising note, winning the first two matches but faltered in the later stages to see the series end in a 2-2 draw. But
Sandeep and his men have to be careful that they don’t lower their guard in the four-nation event as the Germans, Dutch and Kiwis would look to punish the hosts at every given opportunity.

Playing at home could provide the platform they need to get back to winning ways and skipper Sandeep seemed to be in no mood to squander such a wonderful opportunity. “We want to win the Punjab Gold Cup and get into the winning groove,” Sandeep said.