Adequate game time against quality opposition and working on their tactical nuances will be high on the India men and women hockey teams’ agenda, as they resume their respective FIH Pro League campaigns against Belgium on Saturday.

While the men are scheduled to play hosts Belgium (June 11 and June 12) followed by games against the Netherlands (June 18 and June 19 in Rotterdam), the women will play Belgium (June 11 and June 12), Argentina (June 18 and June 19) and the US (June 21 and June 22).

For both teams, these matches are important as preparations for the Commonwealth Games, starting in Birmingham from 28 July. But for the women, these matches hold greater significance ahead of the FIH Women’s World Cup to be jointly hosted by Spain and the Netherlands from July 1 to 17.

With the focus on podium finishes at this year’s Birmingham CWG, both the men’s and women’s chief coaches, Graham Reid and Janneka Schopman, respectively, insisted that they are looking at the European leg of the league to gain better tactical insights about their sides.

India men are currently placed second in the league standings with 27 points from 12 games, a rung above Belgium, who have the same number of points but are placed below on goal difference.

The Indian men have fielded a strong 20-member squad for the European sojourn under the leadership of Amit Rohidas.

The 24-member women’s team will be led by goalkeeper Savita.