India to face Pakistan in Hockey World Cup group stage

The Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams have learned about their group stage opponents for the upcoming International Hockey World Cup, with both teams being placed in Group D of their respective categories for the tournament co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium later this year.The Indian men’s team is grouped with Pakistan, England and Wales. The draw took place on Tuesday at the Wagner Arena in Amsterdam.The Indian women’s team will face China, England and South Africa in the group. The competition is scheduled to take place from August 15th to 30th.According to the International Hockey Federation, both Indian teams will play in the Netherlands. The full game schedule is expected to be released on Wednesday.Defending men’s football champions Germany, who beat Belgium in Bhubaneswar to win their third World Cup title in 2023, are drawn in Group B along with Belgium, France and Malaysia.“The draw was made by hockey legends Naomi Van As, Barbara Nylon and Tenn de Nouer, as well as DJ La Fuente, who was announced as Netherlands World Cup Ambassador during the ceremony,” the International Hockey Federation said in a press release.Swimming pool:Men:Group A: Netherlands, Argentina, New Zealand, Japan (playing in Netherlands)Group B: Belgium, Germany, France, Malaysia (playing in Belgium)Group C: Australia, Spain, Ireland, South Africa (vs. Belgium)Group D: England, India, Pakistan, Wales (vs. Netherlands)female:Group A: Netherlands, Australia, Chile, Japan (playing in the Netherlands)Group B: Argentina, Germany, United States, Scotland (vs. Belgium)Group C: Belgium, Spain, New Zealand, Ireland (playing in Belgium)Group D: China, England, India, South Africa (vs. Netherlands).