Hockey World League final 2017 Odisha: India face Australia in opener

India are grouped alongside Australia, England and Germany in the tournament, which starts in December in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Talwinder Singh, India, Pakistan, hockey, World League Semifinal — Alex Morton/Getty

India, by virtue of being the hosts, is one of the eight strong teams in the Hockey World League Final 2017 competition, which takes place in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, later this year. The Indian hockey team is up against the favourites Australia in their very first match.

The tournament is scheduled from December 1-10.

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The eight teams in the competition are divided into two groups:

POOL A - Argentina (Olympic champions), Netherlands, (European champions), Belgium (Olympic silver medallists), Spain.

POOL B - Australia (World champions), India (hosts), Germany, England.