The much-awaited Hockey World Cup will be hosted by India this year, overall, for the fourth time. The 2023 edition of the tournament will be played from January 13 to 29. All Hockey World Cup matches will be played in Odisha's Rourkela and Bhubaneswar. The Indian men's hockey team, which has played the most 14 World Cups, is looking for its second World Cup title in 48 years. After winning bronze at the Tokyo Olympics and finishing third in the 2021-22 FIH Pro Hockey League, fans have high hope from the Indian team. 


Indian men's hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh and goalkeeper PR Sreejesh are excited about the mega event as it comes closer.


"It is a huge occasion. We don't know when the world cup will be back on Indian soil and this is a massive opportunity. Each one of us are aware of the significance of the occasion and we have prepared accordingly. As captain, it means a lot to me to be able to lead the team in front of our fans. We don't want to leave anything to chance and like you said there will not be an occasion as big as this in the future," said India hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh on Backstage with Boria show.


India will kick-off their Hockey World Cup 2023 campaign with a match against Spain on January 13 followed by England in January 15 in Rourkela after that India will take on Wales on January 19 in Bhubaneswar.


"When you play against teams like Australia you learn a lot. They are one of the best sides and if you stay competitive against them you get the self-belief you can do it. CWG was a bad memory and each of the players wanted to redeem themselves and the trip to Australia was an opportunity. We all wanted to fight as a team and show ourselves that we are good enough. That's what happened in most games and though we lost the series we fought all through. We created opportunities and that's what is the biggest positive from the series, " said India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh on Backstage with Boria show.


Harmanpreet Singh-led side would like to repeat the heroics of the 1975 World Cup when Ajit Pal Singh led side lifted the coveted trophy. 


(With ANI Inputs)