Champions Australia, the most dominant force in hockey events , both for men and women in this Commonwealth Games (CWG), is confident to retain the titles they won last time.
While Kate Hollywood, the winger in the Aussie women team, felt they would not have much problem in bagging the gold this time as well, Mark Knowels – the noted midfielder in their men squad- felt their would be tough challenge from India and Pakisatan though they are favourite to finish at the top here as well.
Talking to IBNS Knowels said: “It will be tough task to beat India and Pakistan.”
Though Australia have beaten India on many occasions off late, it would really be a tough task to beat a home side with vociferous crowd cheering for them all through, Knowels said. “We will be playing under a lot of pressure as we give much prestige to Commonwealth Games Gold always”.
India, Pakistan and Australia have been grouped together in men section and two top teams from each group would move to the semi-final after the round robin league.
Knowels feels, beside Australia, India have got better chance to make it to the last four than Pakistan from their group. England and New Zealand are the two other favourites to reach the semi-final from the other group, he added.
That the Aussies are very serious about the Commonwealth Games is evident from the fact that they had four warm-up matches against Argentina, one of the top notchers in international hockey at present, at home before coming to India this time.
Knowels said the team includes a couple of new but very promising players who are likely to prove their mettle this time.
Asked about the local weather condition, which is quite hot and humid, Knowels said: “I don’t think it would pose any problem. We would acclimatize by the time we start playing in the competition.?
Australia would play their first match on Tuesday against Trinidad and Tobago.
Kate Hollywood, the winger of Australian women hockey team, also reiterated that India at home would be tough team to beat.
“We, however, prepared ourselves well and hope to emerge at the top in this Games as well,? she said.