By Our Sports Affairs Bureau
BHUBANESWAR: Ahead of the FIH Olympic Qualifiers slated for November 1 and 2 here at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, the Russian Hockey team has arrived on Sunday. Russia will take on India on November 1 and 2 at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
Skipper Denis Shchipachev expressed his team’s excitement to return to India after their previous appearance during the FIH Series Finals in June this year. “It is exciting to return to India. We had a great experience last time playing here in front of very passionate hockey fans. Although the weather in June was very hot for us, we are hopeful this time of the year is cooler here and we can get acclimatised early,” stated the Skipper on their team’s arrival on Sunday night.
When the Indian Men’s Team had last met Russia during the FIH Series Final, India had beaten them 10-0. However, the Russians are confident of a better show this time.“India is a very good team, much higher ranked than us. We are still a developing country in hockey but having said that, we are confident of putting up a good show against them. We have prepared well and we will put up a good fight for Olympic Qualification,” added Denis.
