India face Australia on Azlan Shah Hockey opener

New Delhi, May 2 (UNI) India will open their campaign in the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey tournament in Kuala Lumpur against defending champions Australia on June 18.

The Asian Games silver medallist will then take on the hosts Malaysia the following day and face South Korea, the fourth team in Group 'A', on June 21, according to information received here.

Group 'B' comprises three-time champions Pakistan, Holland, Argentina and New Zealand in the eight-nation tournament which will conclude on June 25.

For the first time since its inception in 1983, the tournament will hold matches in the morning and all the matches will be scheduled in such a way as to avoid clash in timing with World Cup Football Tournament in Germany.

The 15th edition will see the return of Holland which, last appeared in 1996, while Pan-American champions Argentina will make their debut in the tournament.

Fixtures: June 18: Argentina VS New Zealand; Australia VS India; South Korea VS Malaysia June 19: Holland VS Pakistan; South Korea VS Australia India VS Malaysia June 20: Holland VS Argentina; Pakistan VS New Zealand June 21: India VS South Korea; Australia VS Malaysia June 22: Pakistan VS Argentina; Holland VS New Zealand June 23: Semifinals June 24: 7th/8th and 5th/6th place playoff June 25: Final match and 3rd/4th plce playoff UNI PDS VJ DS1135