Focus to be on Asian Games during European leg of Hockey Pro League: Harmanpreet
The Hindu
India are currently leading the Pro League table with 19 points from eight matches in the nine-team tournament.
India men's hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh says his side's focus will be on Asian Games, an Olympic-qualifier, as they embark on the European tour for Pro League matches, starting May 26.
The team left for London on Monday for the first leg of the European tour where it will face reigning Olympic champions Belgium (May 26 and June 2) and hosts Great Britain (May 27 and June 3).
They will then travel to Eindhoven for their last set of matches against the Netherlands (June 7 and 10) and Argentina (June 8 and 11).
India are currently leading the Pro League table with 19 points from eight matches in the nine-team tournament. United Kingdom too have an identical number of points but are second on the table due to an inferior goal difference.
The skipper said the matches will play a crucial role in India's preparation for the Asian Games in September, where the gold medallist will automatically qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"We have very crucial matches coming up as we get to the business end of the Pro League season. We are in a strong position in the table so far and we will look to get as many points as possible in the remaining matches.
"We are excited about this tour as it also gives us a great opportunity to play against quality teams. These matches will be really important for us as we prepare for the all-important Asian Games scheduled later this year," said Harmanpreet before the team's departure to London.
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