The biggest takeaway from the year was the progression of some junior players into the senior fold under new chief coach Graham Reid, who took charge of the senior men's team in April this year.
The Australian oversaw India's entry into next year's quadrennial extravaganza with victories over Russia in FIH's Qualifiers.
Ranked 22nd in the world, Russia, who lost 0-10 against India in the previous meeting between the two sides, ensured that the second leg of the qualifier doesn't end up being a formality by scoring twice in the first leg.
Mandeep (24th, 53rd minutes) scored two field goals while Harmanpreet Singh (5th) and SV Sunil (48th) also hit the target for India.
The Indian team put one foot in the Tokyo Olympics next year by registering a 5-1 victory over the United States at the Kalinga Stadium here on Friday.
Rijiju said the government is committed to extend all possible support to the athletes in their endeavours to earn Olympic glory for the country.
The India women's hockey team put one foot in the Tokyo Olympics next year by registering a 5-1 victory over the United States in a qualifier first leg clash at the Kalinga Stadium here on Friday.
Netherlands beat Pakistan 6-1 in the second qualifier and 10-5 on aggregate to crush their hopes of making it to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Speaking ahead of the announcement of his team for the qualifiers, Reid said that he is satisfied with the performances his team put in against Belgium and Spain during their preparatory tour
India, who have hosted the men's World Cup thrice, wants to conduct the event in the January 13 to 29, 2023 window.
India's clinical performance at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium saw goals from Shilanand Lakra (26', 29'), Dilpreet Singh (44'), Gursahibjit Singh (48') and Mandeep Mor (50').
It was Japan who took an early lead in the game, their very first attack earning them a first penalty corner. From the resultant drag flick, Wataru Matsumoto converted to give them the lead.
Despite attacking efforts from both sides, it was the two defences that stood out and impressed.
PR Sreejesh feels India's tour to Belgium from September 26 to October 3 will make the team sharp and ready for the Olympic Qualifiers to be held on November 1.
Harmanpreet Singh, Shamsher Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Gursahibjit Singh and Mandeep Singh scored for India in their 5-0 hammering of New Zealand in the Olympic Test Event.
Besides Manpreet and Sreejesh, also rested from the 18-member men's squad for the August 17 to 21 event is defender Surender Kumar.
Varun Kumar converted a penalty corner in the 24th minute to hand India the lead before Simranjeet Singh (55th) scored a diving field goal from skipper Manpreet Singh's brilliant pass to secure full three points.
Hockey India has retained all 18 players in the Indian team that took part at the World Cup last December.
The Pakistan team, which almost missed the 2018 hockey World Cup in India last December due to lack of funds, is scheduled to play its first phase matches of Pro Hockey League next month.
2018 turned out to be a year of 'what-could-have-been' for the eight-time Olympic champions.
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