India’s men’s hockey team begins its World Cup campaign against Wales on Saturday, hoping to end a 51-year wait for its second title and add to the country’s Independence Day celebrations.
India’s only World Cup triumph came in 1975, when Ajit Pal Singh’s side defeated Pakistan in the final in Kuala Lumpur.
The team also won silver in 1973 and bronze in 1971.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh’s side enters the tournament with renewed confidence after winning Olympic bronze at Tokyo and Paris.
The team also clinched the Asia Cup title in Rajgir, while victories over reigning world and European champions Germany and Olympic champions the Netherlands in the Pro League have boosted belief.
Ranked eighth, India face 15th-ranked Wales in their opener before tougher pool games against third-ranked England on August 17 and Pakistan on August 19.