India to clash against Pakistan in Champions Trophy hockey opener

As per the schedule announced by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), India and Pakistan will face each other in the opening game of this year’s hockey Champions Trophy. Besides, the India-Pakistan tie, there will be two more games on the first day of the event. Hosts Netherlands and 2016 Olympic gold medallists Argentina will square off against each other in the second game, while the reigning World Cup, World League and Champions Trophy title holders Australia will face 2016 Olympic silver medallists Belgium in the last game of the day.

The Champions Trophy will start on June 23 in Breda, Netherlands. Over nine days of action, which includes a rest day on June 25, all teams will be focused on reaching the final, which will be played at on July 1 with the other classification matches being played earlier in the day.

The competition in Breda is notable for many reasons, not least for the fact that it will be the last ever men’s edition of the event. The heritage of this tournament is reflected in the opening match, which features as one of the biggest rivalries in the sport.

India-Pakistan is a fixture that is sure to draw thousands of spectators to the venue as well as millions of fans tuning in from across the world. After the game against Pakistan, India will play Argentina on June 24 followed by games against Australia on June 27 and Belgium on June 28.

This will be one of the last competitions before the end of year Men’s World Cup which will be held in Bhubaneswar from November 28 to December 16.