CWG 2022: Indian men look for elusive hockey medal

The first hurdle they face is debutants Ghana in their campaign opener. While the 36th-ranked team may seem easy meat, Manpreet Singh and Co. will not take them lightly because the match-up is against an unknown team. The two teams have met only once before - at the 1975 World Cup in which India emerged 7-0 victors. Little is known about this opposition but going by how their women's team played against India, Ghana is all about spirited approach. That said, what works for India is Ghana's lack of experience.

A commanding win against the West African nation would be the ideal preparation for India to take on the challenges ahead. Also in Pool B are England, Wales and Canada, with the hosts posing the biggest threat. India come into the Games with a third-place finish in the FIH Pro League. The match will mark the 300th appearance of Manpreet in India colours, but the midfielder stressed that the focus was on making progress as a team and not on individual milestones.