Hockey World Cup 2023 begins today: India to Belgium, TOP 5 contenders for title, in PICS

The defending champions Belgium men's hockey team have tough task in hand as they look to defend the crown. Van den Heuvel announced his 18-strong squad as they aim to bring the trophy back to Brussels. (Source: Twitter)

World no 1 ranked team  Australia will be overwhelming favorites to win the World Cup this year. In the 2018 edition, Australia had finished with bronze medal after losing to Netherlands in th penalty shootout. (Source: Twitter)

Netherlands team suffered heartbreak in the last two editions of the Hockey World Cup. In the 2018 edition they went down to eventual champions Belgium in the penalty shootout . The team currently holds the record for most hockey World Cup final losses (4). (Source: Twitter)

Germany have named a relatively experienced squad in their bid for a third world title under head coach Eric Langner. The World No 4 team had previously won the tournament in 2002 and 2006. (Photo: IANS)

Harmanpreet Singh's India men hockey team will be one of the favourites for the title while hosting the Hockey World Cup 2023 at home beginning in Rourkela on Friday (January 13). It has been 47 years since India last tasted World Cup success in hockey. After failing to lift the trophy in 2018, the Harmanpreet Singh led team has another shot at glory.  (Photo: IANS)