On a day on which India's and world hockey's greatest player was born, the country will launch its bid to gain a direct entry into next year's senior men's hockey World Cup by winning the Asia Cup 2025 here.
India had entered the FIH Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup with high hopes but ended their campaign in the joint-9th position along with Argentina after beating South Africa 5-2 in a classification match at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, here on Saturday.
South Africa, Wales, Argentina and India registered wins in the first round of classification matches at the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2023 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, here on Thursday.
In the quarter finals on Tuesday, Australia will face Spain while the defending champion will take on New Zealand.
Now India will now play the 9-16 classification matches. They will take on Japan on 26 January.
Australia, The Netherlands, Belgium, England, Germany and Argentina to an extent have shown their dexterity and flair both in open play and penalty corners.
In another Pool A match, Argentina and France scored a goal each in the final minute to play out a 5-5 draw in a dramatic contest.
England outplayed Spain to make it to quarter finals from Pool D of the Hockey World Cup at the Kalinga Stadium here tonight.
MRI report suggests no major injury for injured midfielder.
The match will be preceded by the England-Spain clash, which will be a razor edge encounter.
