The Indian team will open its campaign in the prestigious Azlan Shah hockey tournament against New Zealand on May 8 in Kuala Lumpur.

India, bronze medallists in the previous two editions of the event, play their second match in the seven-nation tournament against Argentina the following day.

After a day’s rest, they will take on Canada and then face off against Belgium on May 12. After a gap of two days, the Indians will play against arch-rivals Pakistan and end their league engagements against hosts Malaysia on May 17. The final, as well as the placement matches, will be played on May 18.

India, who failed to seal a place in the Olympics for the first time in 80 years when they went down to Great Britain in the final of the qualifying event for the Beijing Olympics in Chile in March this year, will hope that the tournament will put the national game once again on the right path.

Disappointing
India had a disappointing preparation for the tournament when they finished fourth in a four-nation tournament in Perth behind winners Australia, Korea and China.

In the second leg of the tournament to be played in Darwin from April 30, India will look to improve their performance as they take on the same three sides again.