Is the Indian Men’s Hockey Team Ready for the August Tour to Australia?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Indian men’s hockey team to tour Australia in August.
- Four-match series at Perth Hockey Stadium.
- Matches scheduled for August 15, 16, 19, and 21.
- Critical preparation ahead of Asia Cup 2025.
- Recent history shows a competitive edge between both teams.
New Delhi, July 25 (NationPress) The Indian men’s hockey team is gearing up for an exciting tour of Australia in August, where they will compete in a four-match series at the Perth Hockey Stadium from August 15 to 21.
This series promises to be an intense showdown, showcasing eighth-ranked India against sixth-ranked Australia. The matches are scheduled for August 15, 16, 19, and 21.
The two teams recently met in the FIH Pro League 2024–25 in Europe, where Australia narrowly defeated India 3–2 in both encounters. However, India had earlier made headlines with a stunning 3–2 victory over the Kookaburras during the 2024 Paris Olympics — marking their first Olympic win against Australia since the 1972 Munich Games.
Historically, Australia has been dominant in this rivalry, winning 35 out of 51 matches since 2013. India has managed to secure nine victories, with seven matches ending in draws.
This upcoming series is crucial for India as they prepare for the Asia Cup 2025, which is set to take place in Rajgir, Bihar from August 29 to September 7. The tournament offers a direct qualification spot for the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2026, making the tour of Australia a significant stepping stone for India.
Regarding the tour, head coach Craig Fulton stated, “This tour is critical for us, coming just before the Asia Cup in Bihar. While the matches are technically friendlies, they are vital for our preparation. Competing against a team like Australia will challenge us on all fronts, which is exactly what we need to refine our skills ahead of a major tournament.”
“We’ve just wrapped up a 10-day training camp, and the atmosphere is positive as we concentrate on the challenges ahead. One of our primary objectives during this tour is to use the first two matches for player selection, while the last two will feature the squad chosen for the Asia Cup. Our focus is on progressing — we aim to be fully prepared and pursue victory in the Asia Cup,” he concluded.