India suffers setback as injured Hardik Singh is ruled out of FIH Hockey World Cup 2023

In a huge setback for the Indian Hockey Team, Hardik Singh will miss the rest of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup owing to a hamstring injury. He was hurt during India's match against England on January 15th and has not recovered in time for Sunday's encounter against New Zealand.

Hardik, who scored a magnificent solo goal in India's opening 2-0 triumph over Spain, will be replaced by Raj Kumar Pal.

Hardik was forced off the game in India's second game and did not play in the final group game against Wales. After an MRI scan confirmed that the injury was not significant, India head coach Graham Reid hinted that he would be eligible for the later stages of the competition.


Hardik is India's most productive midfielder heading into the World Cup. He was important in India's opening-match victory over Spain, scoring a fantastic goal while balancing both moving forward and keeping firm in defence. Hardik's substitute, Raj Kumar Pal, is a like-for-like alternative. With his tireless work rate, the teenager can move up and down the pitch like Hardik, but he lacks international experience, having played only 25 matches thus far.

After finishing second in Pool D, India will need to beat New Zealand in the crossover match to advance to the quarterfinals. India needed to beat Wales – ranked eight places lower in the world rankings – by an eight-goal margin to top Pool D and advance through to the quarterfinals, however the home team could only manage a 4-2 victory on Thursday.

FAQs

1-Is India out of the 2023 Hockey World Cup?
India will now compete in the crossovers against New Zealand, who finished third in Pool C.


2-Who is the father of hockey in India?
Major Dhyan Chand (born August 29, 1905 in Allahabad, India—died December 3, 1979 in Delhi), was an Indian field hockey player, is regarded as Father of hockey in India.