Opening match key to India's progress in Tokyo Olympics: Captain Manpreet

Indian men's hockey team captain Manpreet Singh believes India's opening encounter against New Zealand on July 25 next year will be key to India's destiny at 2020 Tokyo Olympics.  

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Captain Manpreet Singh on India vs New Zealand

"A good start will always give right confidence and momentum to carry on in tournament so it will be important for us to begin with a win. New Zealand have always posed stiff competition for us and I believe it can be a close game. It is important to keep our nerves in check as opening matches can be a bit overwhelming especially at a major event like Olympics," men's team's captain Manpreet Singh told Republic TV ding that

"Every game will be crucial at Olympics and we cant let our guard down against any team even if y are ranked below us. competition will be so high that each match will need to be played like it's final."

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men's team will take on New Zealand in ir opening match at 2020 Tokyo Olympics while women's team will play against Rio Olympics silver medallists Nerlands.  men's team has been clubbed with defending Olympic Champions Argentina, World .1 Australia, Spain, New Zealand and Japan in Pool A. 

y will play ir second match against  formidable Australian side on 26 July 2020 and play Spain in ir third pool A match on 28 July 2020. After a day's break on 29 July 2020, India will take on Argentina on 30 July 2020 and n play hosts Japan on 31 July 2020.  men's quarter finals have been slated for 2 August 2020 while Semi Finals will be held on 4 August 2020 and Gold Medal and Bronze Medal match will be played on 6 August 2020. 

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 Meanwhile, Indian Women's team skipper Rani said:

"Draw does t matter because in Olympics every team is equal and every team will come to Olympics with an aim win. As a team, we need to focus on ourselves and what we can do better on given day. We are preparing well to ensure we tick all boxes in each of our match and put all energy into every game we play and give our best to blue shirt if we want to see ourselves in quarter finals and semi finals." 

Indian women's hockey team in Tokyo 2020

Indian Women's Team are grouped in Pool A along with Nerlands, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland and South Africa. Indian Women's Team who will be making ir second consecutive Olympic appearance will take on Germany in ir second Pool A match on 27th July followed by match against defending Champions Great Britain on 29th July 2020. India will play Ireland on 31 July 2020 and take on South Africa in ir last Pool A match on 1 August 2020.  Quarter Finals will be held on 3 August 2020 while Semi Final will be held on 5 August 2020 and Gold Medal and Bronze Medal match will be held on 7 August 2020. 

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