Argentina defeated South Africa in the opening match of the 15th FIH Men's Hockey World Cup on January 13 at the Kalinga Stadium to get the world cup running. We have a good number of contestants who are powerful enough to win the competition. Last time out, Belgium became just the sixth men's team in history to win a Hockey World Cup. Are there going to be any new champions? Or will the big boys be involved once more? Let's have a look. 

India

The fact that India, a nation with a long history in hockey, has only ever won the Men's World Cup once, often astounds people. Even more astounding is the realisation that their most recent top-five place came in 1994. Since India last won the trophy in 1975, a lot has changed, particularly in the world of sports, where cricket has replaced football as the unofficial national sport. However, hockey has only declined. The Men in Blue have had some successful recent international performances under coach Graham Reid, earning medals in the Asia Cup, Tokyo Olympic, Birmingham Commonwealth, and third place in the Pro League. India will host this event for the second time in a row, and anticipations have been raised by the team's recent success. The announcement that midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad will rejoin the squad after missing the Pro League and the Australian tour due to an ankle ailment is very welcome. The team captained by Harmanpreet Singh is expected to erase India's 47-year medal drought at the World Cup.