India, Aug. 16 -- A confident India faces a stern opening test in the Women's FIH Hockey World Cup here on Sunday as Dutch coach Sjoerd Marijne's side takes on the Olympic silver medallists China, with a little room for error in a demanding Pool D contest.

Ranked ninth in the world, India will take on the second-ranked China, the Paris Olympic silver medallists, in a match that could set the tone for their campaign.

With England and South Africa also in the pool and the tournament being played in a new format, India cannot afford a slow start. India have spent a considerable time acclimatising to European conditions, training at the Wagener Stadium in the heat and playing a practice match against hosts and defending champions the Nether...