Hockey Pro League against Spain will be mock test ahead of WC: PR Sreejesh

Veteran India hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh feels their opening two FIH Pro League matches against ever-improving Spain will be a "mock test" ahead of the World Cup to be held early next year in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.

India are set to host the men's World Cup from January 13 to 29 next year.

But before the marquee event, India will host world No.8 Spain on October 30 and November 6 in their first tie of the upcoming FIH Pro League 2022-23 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

"FIH Hockey Pro League is the best platform for us because we get to play against some of the top teams. The upcoming matches at home will be like a mock test for us, it will help us for the real challenge which we will face in January 2023," Sreejesh said in a Hockey India release.

"It will also help us in providing young players the experience of playing high-level hockey. So, it's a great opportunity for us as it will sort of help us set the tempo for the World Cup."

India are placed in a tricky Pool D