Hockey Champions Trophy 2016: India’s 6 greatest performances in the tournament

India have rested big names for the tournament, but will still hope for a medal

The Hockey Champions Trophy is here and India, this time, led by stand-in captain and goalkeeper P R Sreejesh, will be in action once again hoping to win the tournament for the first time.

India’s past performances in the tournament have been disappointing and except for a third place finish in the 1982 edition, India doesn’t have much to boast about in terms of their performance in the tournament that was first staged in Lahore, Pakistan 1978. Keeping in mind the Rio Olympics, regular skipper Sardar Singh has been rested and goalkeeper P R Sreejesh has been given the reigns of the team.

So, before India starts its campaign against Olympic champions Germany in the opening match of the tournament on June 10, we take a look at the best matches that India have played in Champions Trophy over the history of the tournament.

#6. India 1 – Belgium 0, 2012

India won their quarter-final tie against Belgium to raise hopes

India started the tournament as wildcards and with a win over Belgium in this crucial tie of the 2012 Champions Trophy secured a semi-final berth. India scored through Nithin Thimmaiah after he received a perfect feed from skipper Sardar Singh.

Belgium slowly gained momentum and threatened to equalise a number of times when they got six penalty corners, but much to their dismay failed to capitalise on any of the opportunity and could not convert any of the penalty corners.