India’s campaign at FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 could be dealt a blow as chief coach Graham Reid said after the match against England that midfielder Hardik Singh injured his hamstring.
Hockey World Cup, Pool D, India vs England as it happened: Thrilling game ends goalless
The Indian midfielder, who wears No 8 and has been one of the team’s in-form players, was injured in the fourth quarter of the Pool D match against England in Rourkela on Sunday and was helped off the field.
Reid said later in the press conference, “It looked bad at first but I have gotten an update now and it doesn’t look that bad, but we’ll wait for an official update.”
On Tuesday, January 17, Hockey India put out a media advisory on Hardik that stated:
The Indian midfielder will undergo MRI this morning (Tuesday) in Bhubaneswar. Basis the MRI results, the team management will assess the extent of his hamstring injury and take a call on his availability for the India Vs Wales match. At the moment no replacement request has been put forward to the FIH.
Hardik had scored in the opening game for India, and was dictating tempo with his passing and dribbling. On Sunday against England too the midfielder was in fine form, showcasing his dribbling skills once more with a memorable run from midfield and produced a superb shot on goal that was saved by player of the match Ollie Payne in England’s goal.
Raj Kumar Pal and Jugraj Singh are India’s alternate players apart from the squad of 18.
India play Wales in their final Pool D clash on 19 January. India and England are tied on four points with the hosts behind England on goal difference.
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