The Hobart leg presents an important opportunity for the team to reassess combinations and fine-tune its structure as it builds towards the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup and the Asian Games.
The camp forms a key part of India’s build-up to the home leg of the Pro League, scheduled at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela from February 10 to 15. The tournament will mark India’s first major assignment of the year.
Rohit, who led the team to their title win in 2024, shared the gruelling task of winning an ICC event. “It’s a huge task to win an ICC trophy, I’ve seen that personally as well," he said.
The Indian side led by captain Harmanpreet Singh secured the trophy for the fifth time after beating hosts China 1-0 in the final at the Moqi Hockey Training Base on Tuesday.
Led by ace drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh, defending champions India will enter the match as table toppers, having convincingly won all their four Asian Champions Trophy games so far.
Vice Captained by midfielder Hardik Singh the five-match tour will be a litmus test for the team in their preparations for the Olympic Paris 2024.
Ranked world no 4, India is placed in Pool B alongside formidable opponents: reigning Olympic Champions Belgium (world No. 2), Australia (world No. 5), Argentina (world No. 7), New Zealand (world No. 10), and Ireland (world No. 12). Notably, Argentina and Australia also have etched their names as former Olympic Champions.
India will play against hosts Spain, Germany, France and Belgium in the tournament, which will serve as the preparatory event ahead of the FIH Pro League games.
According to sources, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) decided to have joint flag bearers for the continental event.
India are placed in Pool A, alongside Pakistan, Japan, Bangladesh, Singapore, and Uzbekistan. Pool B consists of Korea, Malaysia, China, Oman, Thailand, and Indonesia.
