Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in focus as India take on hockey world champions Germany with an eye on future

The seats are being cleaned, the giant screen is being tested, and the lights are also changing. Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium at the centre of the national capital is always in the news on National Sports Day (29 August) when India pay their tributes to the legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand on his birth anniversary. But international hockey has been missing at the stadium since 2015 when the Indian women’s team defeated Poland in a World League Round 2 game.

The men’s team hasn’t played at the stadium since 2014. Much has changed in the last 10 years not least the turf which now bears a brand new blue covering and the former green turf is out.

Nostalgic return to National Stadium

So it’s natural that nostalgia engulfed the pre-tournament press conference in the stadium on Tuesday as the Indian men’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh and coach Craig Fulton interacted in a room full of enthusiastic journalists. India will be taking Germany in a two-match bilateral series on 23 and 24 October at the National Stadium.

“I’m really excited to be playing in Delhi again,” captain Harmanpreet, who scored 10 goals in Paris Olympics, said. “I have a lot of fond memories of this city and the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. Back in 2013, I was part of the junior camp held here, and I spent countless hours training and honing my skills at this very stadium. It played an important role in my development as a player, so returning here to play an international match feels like a special homecoming. The atmosphere, the crowd, and the significance of this venue make it even more thrilling.”

Harmanpreet has never played a senior India match at the National Stadium, but one person who has is coach Fulton who made his debut at the venue while playing for South Africa as a 21-year-old in the 1995 Indira Gandhi Gold Cup.

“It’s a special feeling to be back at this iconic venue, where my international journey began nearly three decades ago. To return here, but this time as the coach of the Indian national team, is truly remarkable," Fulton said. “Playing a series against a top team like Germany in front of passionate home fans adds to the significance of the occasion. So, yes, life has indeed come full circle for me, and I’m looking forward to guiding this talented group of players in such an important series. It’s a moment of pride and reflection for me personally, and I hope we can deliver a memorable performance.”

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The hockey series is being seen as a precursor to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s official visit to India on 24 October 2024 for the 7th Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC). The Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business will also take place in Delhi around the same time.

The direct impact of the visit can be seen on hockey with matches being scheduled at 3 PM on both days instead of having a late evening pushback that could have allowed more fans to come in, but still, it’s heartening to see hockey return to the national capital.

The tickets for the matches are available for free through ticketgenie.in.

All eyes on the future

In its time away from the National Stadium, the Indian men’s hockey team has come a long way, from being also-rans to now winning back-to-back bronze medals at the 2020 and 2024 Olympics. In that context, the two matches against Germany are crucial given the European team is the reigning world champion and silver medallists in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

While India lost 3-2 against Germany in the semi-finals in Paris and a 2-0 win at home will be sweet, it’s important to note that the visitors have named quite a few young players in the squad.

“It is not the same team as in Paris, there are a few younger players. But we played against a similar group in the Pro League,” Fulton said while previewing the German team. “They are the Under-21 World Champions and that group has now stepped up to the senior level. Also, they are in the middle of their season and we have had a break after the Asian Champions Trophy and some injuries so there will be a different rhythm.”

India in the meantime is also missing a few key players Hardik Singh, Jugraj Singh, Boby Singh Dhami, and Uttam Singh are out of the team due to injuries. Rajinder Singh and Aditya Lalage are set to make their international debut while defender Varun Kumar is back with the team after missing the Olympics because of sexual harassment charges. A report from PTI says Varun has been cleared of all charges.

Fulton understands the importance of the occasion, but he also knows that the German game offers a golden opportunity to try out new players and structures in the new Olympics cycle.

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“It’s unfortunate but at the same time, it’s an exciting chance to test against the No. 2 in the world. From now till the World Cup and then on to LA28, the selections will again open up chances for the guys to prove themselves. You are never out of the system, it’s just difficult to get in there, to make the core group that will take us there,” Fulton added.

Skipper Harmanpreet insisted on learning as well: “Intensity will be the same as it was in Paris, but I think what is important is to learn from every match, whether you win or lose. Every team follows 2 to 3 structures, and our focus will be on that.”

India vs Gemrany hockey live streaming: The matches will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network and DD Sports, and live streaming will be available on FanCode.