Hockey

Viewed as a warm up against the Rio-bound teams, India will open its campaign against reigning Olympic champions Germany before facing Ireland, Argentina, Spain and New Zealand.

In a letter to DCW Chairperson Swati Mahliwal, HI said since the national team has a six-nation Tournament followed by the Olympic Games, it would be able to send a comprehensive response on the matter only after August 23.

The tournament jury seemed to be in a fix when India filed an appeal against the video umpire's decision to re-take the second attempt in the shootout.

A first-time entry into the final at stake, a confident India would aspire to rise to the challenge of taking on Australia in their last league outing of the 36th Hero Champions Trophy on Thursday.

Hosts Great Britain held reigning world champions Australia to a goalless draw on the opening day of the 36th Champions Trophy hockey tournament

In what turned out to be a brilliant comeback from the Olympic gold medallists, Germany came from two goals down to play out a draw as India squandered a great start to lose the momentum in the final three minutes.

India and Australia were tied at 1-1 but Emily Smith's goal in the second half proved decisive for Australia in the four Nations hockey tournament in Darwin on Friday.

The team, captained by star goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, is currently preparing for the Champions Trophy in London from June 10 before heading off to Valencia, Spain, to play the six nations invitational tournament.

"If we (India) wish to win a medal and beat teams like Australia we will have to convert the half chances that come our way," said India hockey skipper Sardar Singh.

India came out with a stupendous and thrilling performance on Friday to outclass Malaysia 6-1 to enter the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

Besides India, New Zealand, 2012 Olympic bronze medallist Australia, Pakistan, Japan, Canada and hosts Malaysia will be taking part in the annual tournament.

India got the equaliser in the 24th minute through a penalty corner conversion by Gurjit. Two minutes later, Deep Grace converted another penalty corner to give the visitors a 2-1 lead. The scoreline remained the same at the end of the first half.

The rule 13.2 states that at an attacking free hit within five metres of the circle, the ball cannot be played into the circle until it has travelled at least five metres or been touched by a defending player.

Sardar said that he and complainant were good friends and there was no romantic relationship between them. He also denied allegations of a sexual harassment against him.

India hockey captain's fiancee spoke exclusive to ETV, leveling serious allegations against him - amounting to blackmail as well as physical and mental harassment.

Rupinder Pal Singh (8th, 39 minutes) struck twice from penalty corners for Delhi while young forward Talwinder Singh (56th) scored a field goal, which is counted as two goals in this edition of the HIL.