Indian hockey team leaves for Commonwealth Games

Putting behind the disappointment of the ninth-place finish in the World Cup, the Indian men's hockey team left for Glasgow, Britain, Sunday morning for the 2014 Commonwealth Games July 23-Aug 3 hoping to better their silver medal show in 2010 at home.

Though India won the silver medal, they were thrashed 0-8 by Australia in a one-sided final here at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.

This time the Indians are determined to put on a better show and they will start their campaign against Wales, July 25, followed by matches against Scotland, Australia and South Africa in the group stage.

The team will be led by Sardar Singh and goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh, who recently completed his 100th international cap, will be his deputy.

Chief coach Terry Walsh said that the three-week preparatory camp was productive as it helped them to work on the areas that the team was lacking in.

"The team is all pepped up and confident of performing well in the Games ahead. We are sure that we will end the tournament on a high note and take the form onto the Asian Games," said Walsh.

Sardar Singh said the team has worked really hard in the last few weeks since the World Cup.

"We showcased in the World Cup that we have the capabilities to give any team a tough time. We are looking forward to our first game in the CWG and the aim is to start on a winning note. The team is fully motivated and will look to draw inspiration from our silver medal finish at the previous edition of the Commonwealth Games in 2010," he said.

The Commonwealth Games will see a total of 10 teams playing in two pools. India are placed along with Wales, Scotland, Australia and South Africa in Pool A while Canada, England, Malaysia, New Zealand and Trinidad and Tobago are in Pool B.