The Hindu : Sport / Hockey : India to play Belgium

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Thursday, Jan 17, 2008
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Sport - Hockey

India to play Belgium

Chennai: As part of its preparations for the Olympic hockey qualifier in Santago (Chile) from March 1 to 9, India will figure in a five-Test series against Belgium at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here from January 25 to 31.

The Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), which is keen to give the players as many opportunities as possible on way to making the grade to the Beijing Olympics, had planned a three-nation tournament involving Pakistan, India and Belgium.

Initially enthusiastic, Pakistan has pulled out of the event presumably on account of the troubled conditions back home consequent to the assassination of the former Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto, on December 27.

Left with no option, the IHF settled for a Test series with Belgium, which has already qualified for the Olympics at the expense of the World champion Germany.

Twenty-four of the 30 players now in training at SAI (Bangalore) will be selected for the series. The Indian team is expected to reach Chennai on January 22, while the Belgians are scheduled to arrive on January 20.

The matches will start at 6.30 p.m. and played under lights and admission is free.

The schedule: January 25: First Test; January 27: Second Test; January 28: Third Test; January 30: Fourth Test; January 31: Fifth Test. — Hockey Correspondent