India stand a great chance of qualifying for World Cup through Pro League: Hardik Singh

Placed in a strong third position on the points table as they resume their campaign in the away leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 (Men), India vice captain Hardik Singh emphasised the importance of finishing the prestigious tournament on top.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

"We have spoken about this within the squad and believe that if we stick to the plan, accumulate enough points, and push for wins even securing points from draws and subsequent shootouts - we stand a great chance of qualifying for the World Cup through the Pro League," said a confident Hardik.

Putting things into perspective, he added, "Belgium (currently ranked No.2) and the Netherlands (placed behind India at No.4) qualify automatically as co-hosts of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup in 2026. That leaves England, who are on top, along with Germany and Spain, as the key competitors vying for qualification. Our matches against Argentina will also be crucial. This is a good challenge for us to have, and qualifying early would give us more time to prepare for the World Cup."

As of now, Australia (placed No.6 in the ongoing Pro League) have qualified for the World Cup as winners of the previous edition of the FIH Hockey Pro League, while Belgium and the Netherlands qualify as hosts. Germany, currently placed fifth, still have six matches left and can potentially pose a threat to India's qualification plans.

Meanwhile, the Indian team's focus and precision in preparation for their European campaign has been evident during the multiple red, orange, and green training sessions at the centralised training camp in SAI, Bengaluru over the past three weeks.