India celebrates its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, some 6,300 km away in Amstelveen, Harmanpreet Singh and his men will take their first step towards breaking a 51-year jinx at the FIH World Cup.When the national anthem is played at the Wagener Hockey Stadium before India’s campaign opener against Wales, the players will experience familiar goosebumps. But this time, there will also be a heightened sense of responsibility, with the significance of the day weighing heavily on the occasion.This World Cup is unlike the previous two editions, both staged in Odisha, where home support and emotion ran high. While this tournament is being billed as India’s best chance to end their five-decade wait for a World Cup medal, the numbers suggest there is plenty of ground to cover.India endured an underwhelming start to the FIH Pro League before finding their feet towards the business end of the tournament. Their world ranking has also slipped sharply, with the team currently eighth in the charts.It is difficult to discuss India’s World Cup campaign in the Netherlands and Belgium without mentioning the jersey-colour controversy, which has taken considerable attention away from the team and the tournament. The decision to move away from the traditional blue has embroiled Indian hockey in a needless controversy and, unfortunately, dragged the players into it.The explanation that the colour change was based on scientific considerations to improve ball visibility against the blue turf has further put the team under scrutiny. Any slip-up on the field could once again invite questions over the decision.That said, India, drawn alongside Wales, England and Pakistan in Pool D, will face their sternest test in the opening phase against England, ranked third in the world behind co-hosts Belgium and the Netherlands.India will be expected to come through against Wales and Pakistan and advance to the next stage, where the real challenge could begin against formidable opponents such as Olympic champions Netherlands and Argentina, provided both live up to expectations.
