The Indian colts would draw inspiration from their Olympic bronze medal-winning seniors when they begin their title defence at the Junior Hockey World Cup with a clash against France, here on Wednesday.

The senior men’s side claimed the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, putting an end to a 41-year-long wait for a medal in the sport.

The junior side would look to wrap up the successful 2021 season by retaining the World Cup title, which would be their third. They first won the World Cup in 2001 in Hobart, Australia, before reclaiming the crown in the last edition of the event in 2016 in Lucknow.

Nine players from the 2016 junior squad represented India at the Tokyo Games.

And many of the present junior team, led by Vivek Sagar Prasad, would look to book a place in the senior side. Getting the opportunity to stay and train with the seniors has been a blessing for them.

Seniors like Manpreet Singh and PR Sreejesh, along with India chief coach Graham Reid, have been working with them. The side is coached by BJ Kariappa.

Captain Prasad was a part of the Tokyo Olympics team. Drag-flicker Sanjay is his deputy here. “Our team became the champions in 2016 and now our aim is to continue to perform in a similar manner,” Prasad said.

Chief coach Reid said the opportunity to train alongside the senior side will certainly benefit the juniors. “While we did not have overseas competition, the juniors played some practice games against the senior team in Bhubaneswar,” Reid said.

India, placed in Pool B in the 16-team competition along with France, Canada and Poland, are the overwhelming favourites to top the pool.

Pool A has Belgium, Malaysia, Chile and South Africa, while Netherlands, Spain, Korea and the US are in Pool C. Germany, Pakistan, Egypt and Argentina will play in Pool D.