Australian hockey team reaches Raipur

Raipur: The Australian hockey team, who are visiting India for a three-match Test series and the Hockey World League (HWL) Final, reached here on Saturday.

The World No.1 team and the reigning World Champions will play three matches against India on November 19, 22 and 23. While the first match will be played at Rajnandgaon, the latter two will be held in the state capital.

The series is a preparation event for the eight-nation HWL Final, also being hosted here later this month.

The team received a traditional welcome with a small cultural performance from locals amidst a large group of fans waiting to catch a glimpse of the stars.

"India has always been one of those places we want to come back to. The warm welcome that we have received always has been overwhelming and we are keen to display top level hockey in front of the fans here," Australia head coach Graham Reid said.

"Raipur is a new destination but we all know that we are set to play against an audience who understand and follow the sport and that's what makes the competition all the more exciting and competitive."