Bhubaneswar: New Zealand midfielder Arun Panchia believes that the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games silver medal will hold them in good stead and motivate them going into the men’s hockey World Cup which starts here at the Kalinga Stadium Wednesday.
“Obviously the CWG silver will motivate us and help us continue the momentum going into the tournament,” Panchia said on New Zealand’s arrival at the city airport Friday midnight.
Speaking about their preparations, Panchia informed, “Preparations wise we have done a lot of hard work. We have been to Malaysia last week and played some games there. Our boys are ready and we looking forward to the World Cup.”
New Zealand need to win atleast two games to avoid playing the cross-over games and Panchia added that they will be focusing on one match at a time. “We want to focus on one match at a time because that’s important. Out main focus will be on topping group and then we will see what’s happens,” said the 29-year-old who has Gujarati roots.
Placed in Pool A, New Zealand begin their campaign against France (November 29) before completing their group assignments against Argentina (December 3) and Spain (December 6).
