India couldn't have asked for a better build-up to the 2014 World Cup. World's top seven teams have assembled in New Delhi for the Hockey World League (HWL) Final, which offers the Indian team a chance to put their new coaching set-up, led by chief coach Terry Walsh, to test. But this one's a tough cookie.
At No. 10 in the world, India are just above No. 11 Argentina in the eight-team competition and are in the fray only by virtue of being the apple of FIH's eye. India has been the apex hockey body's favourite stopover of late, with the country set to host the Champions Trophy as well later this year.
But it's how India take advantage of these big-ticket opportunities that will count, and that's what this HWL Final is about as well - an opportunity to show the world's best that Indian hockey is bridging the gap.
India didn't have anything major to write home about in 2013 and finished 6th in the HWL semi-finals in Rotterdam, but they can set the record straight in 2014, provided they can bring down powerhouses like Germany, Australia and Netherlands over the course of next fortnight.
To gauge the enormity of the task at hand for Sardar Singh and his boys, here's a brief insight into who India are up against in their endeavour to begin 2014 on a rising note.
Germany
Current Ranking: 1
Road to Final: 1st place - HWL Semi-Final, Johor Bahru
The Germans continued to raise the bar in 2013 after their second consecutive Olympic gold at the 2012 Games in London. They won the EuroHockey Nations continental championships and finished at top of the standings in the HWL semi-final. The junior team capped off the year in style by lifting the World Cup held in New Delhi last December.
Australia
Current Ranking: 2
Road to Final: 2nd place - HWL Semi-Final, Rotterdam
The Kookaburras like to add silverware to their cabinet on a consistent basis and will begin the HWL Final as one of the hot favourites to lift the inaugural trophy. They landed in New Delhi as Oceania champions after being pushed to second spot at the HWL semis by Belgium in a nervous shootout. But they will be without the legendary Jamie Dwyer, who is nursing an injury. Mark Knowles has been appointed captain in Dwyer's absence.
Netherlands
Current Ranking: 3
Road to Final: 3rd place - HWL Semi-Final, Rotterdam
Netherlands have always set very high standards but somehow didn't meet those in 2013 after winning a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics, which makes them even more dangerous and hungry. They finished third both at the EuroHockey Nations in Belgium as well as in the HWL semi-final at home.
England
Current Ranking: 4
Road to Finals: 3rd place - HWL Semi-Final, Johor Bahru
This is one team that has always kept pushing those above them in rankings, which is why they are mostly up there in the top five of FIH rankings. They finished fourth at the EuroHockey Nations and third in the HWL semi-final, but will like to go a step ahead and stake claim for a top podium finish in New Delhi. The return of Ashley Jackson will certainly add some teeth to their attacking intent.
Belgium
Current Ranking: 5
Road to Finals: 1st place - HWL Semi-Final, Rotterdam
Belgium have been the most progressive team from among those outside the top 10 in the last two years and have developed into most feared attacking side currently. They have climbed rapidly up the ranks, the evidence of which lies in their win over Australia to finish first in the HWL semis. They enter the Final as world No. 5 having also reached the final of the EuroHockey Nations where they were beaten by Germany.
New Zealand
Current Ranking: 7
Road to Finals: 4th place - HWL Semi-Final, Rotterdam
New Zealand qualified for the Final as the highest-ranked fourth-place team from the two HWL semis at Rotterdam and Johor Bahru. They lost the 3-4 placement match to Netherlands 4-1 at Rotterdam. Though not in the same league as neighbours Australia or European giants Germany and Netherlands, the Black Sticks can't be taken lightly.
Argentina
Current Ranking: 11
Road to Finals: 2nd place - HWL Semi-Final, Johor Bahru
The Pan American champions have plenty of talent at their disposal and have always managed to give a run for their money to the best in the business. Germany experienced the same in the HWL semi-final in Johor Bahru before managing to beat the Argentines to the top spot. The team has always threatened to pull off the big one and it won't be a surprise if they finally realise their potential by knocking their fancied opponents off in New Delhi.
* India are grouped with Germany, England and New Zealand in Pool A of the HWL Final
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