Injured Indian midfielder Hardik Singh Ruled Out from FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup

Bhubaneswar: Injured Indian midfielder Hardik Singh will not play the remaining matches of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup. The 24-year-old Indian hockey star failed to recover from a hamstring injury that he suffered during India’s second pool match against England on January 15.

This big blow to the Indian team came over before its face-off with New Zealand on Sunday.

Hardik’s absence will be felt as India team has been struggling in the attacking department. India is expected to meet defending champions Belgium in the quarterfinals if they beat New Zealand on Sunday.

Hardik will be replaced by alternate player Raj Kumar Pal.

“Having rested the youngster for the match against Wales, and subsequent assessment, Hardik has now been ruled out of the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela,” Hockey India said in a statement.