If the Dutch are treating their opening fixture against India in the 25th Champions Trophy men's hockey tournament on Saturday as an adventure, it is not because they expect to come across some fabled snake charmers and tigers, but the recent resurgence in Indian hockey, which has injected a dose of caution in the otherwise high-flying Olympic champions.
"We look at our match against the Indians as an adventure. They have come back into the top six bracket and for me, that's a good sign," Dutch coach Joost Ballart said on Thursday.
"We always have had some tight matches, and I think, it will be so on Saturday when we play each other in the first match of the tournament."
One couldn't miss the twinkle in Ballart's eyes as he spoke, but so also the earnestness as he believes that each match in the Champions Trophy is a "final" game.
"We play six finals over eight days, and in that context, it will be a tough tournament for everyone," he said.
If Ballart views India as a dangerous opponent, then it is not without reason.
"In Cologne last year, we were lucky to draw 3-3 with India with a late equaliser. We haven't played India many times these past few seasons when they were out of the top bracket. But now, personally speaking, I am happy that they are back in the top six, and it is only good for hockey.
"I am a great fan of Indian hockey. I think their style of play has changed a bit over the years. Previously, it was the usual five up and five down (five forwards and five defenders). But now you see some rotation in the midfield and they play with four forwards. Their penalty-corner conversion rate too has gone up."
Ballart, for sure, would not carry his personal sentiments on to the field on Saturday when he expects a good match with India.
"They play an open game that leaves a lot of space. So do we. I also noticed that the Indians play the long ball very well, and it has become a major weapon for them. I think, it should be a great match and I expect lot of support for India too since the Dutch appreciate good hockey," he said.
Regarding his team that has emerged hot favourite for the title after defending champions Germany decided to field a "development side", Ballart was unwilling to be categoric. On the contrary, he emphasised that in today's hockey, the team which plays well on a day will win.
"Our sights are on next year's Olympics. The Champions Trophy, followed by next month's European Nations Cup are part of our preparations for the 2004 Games. We lost a few players last year after the World Cup and since then we have managed to put together a young team. But we have more or less identified our team to Athens," he disclosed.
Ballart's boys seem to have warmed up to the task quite nicely as they thrashed Pakistan 5-2 last night in what he said was an "official" match.
Apart from the Netherlands and India, the other teams that make up the elite group this year are: Australia, Germany, Pakistan and Argentina.
